Greece’s constant quest for tourists is especially targeting cruise ships, with the Chinese management firm COSCO making the port of Piraeus able to handle larger liners, and making the country one of Europe’s top cruise destinations.
There are so many ships visiting now that a limit has been placed on how many can stop at the popular island of Mykonos daily, as last year there were as many as 17,000 passengers getting off and adding to the throngs there, and Mykonos has long been overrun.
With digital innovation, better services for visitors, and cooperative marketing, Greece strives to upgrade the cruise experience, increase the impact of tourism, and maintain healthy growth in the highly-competitive Mediterranean, said Travel and World Tour.
Greece is behind only Italy and Spain in the number of cruise ship arrivals and the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce & Industry said there were 5500 port calls in 2024, “underscoring its significance in the regional cruise tourism market,” the site said.
Piraeus, Santorini and Mykonos accounted for 55 percent of all cruise ship arrivals and port and Chamber of Commerce officials in Piraeus are looking to further enhance the cruise industry performance there.
“One of the primary recommendations involved the creation of dedicated port clusters designed to centralize all support services for cruise passengers. By grouping essential amenities and services in convenient locations, the initiative aims to streamline the visitor experience, making it easier for travelers to access transportation, tours, dining, and shopping without hassle,” the site said.
The development of user-friendly mobile applications dedicated to showcasing Piraeus as a vibrant tourist destination is underway, the apps “featuring detailed information on shopping districts, museums, historical landmarks, and cultural venues, empowering visitors to plan and personalize their excursions.”
The installation of interactive “beacon” signage throughout the port and the city is also proposed. These smart signs, synchronized with mobile apps, will enhance navigation for tourists, providing real-time guidance and engaging content to enrich their experience.
The proposal includes deploying trained personnel at disembarkation points to welcome cruise passengers, offer valuable information, tailored recommendations, and assistance designed to encourage deeper exploration of Piraeus and its surroundings.
To connect visitors with Greek culture, the initiative suggests integrating Greek products into cruise ship restaurants and retail outlets, including authentic culinary experiences and shopping opportunities.
Of the more than 40 million visitors in 2024 about two million came via cruise ships and the numbers are growing as COSCO has made Piraeus one of the busiest ports in the European Union with renovations.
