Increases in cruise ship port charges being considered

The processes for shaping a new framework for the cruise industry are entering the final stage, and it is expected that the government will soon make the relevant announcements. At the centre of the discussion is the recognition that in certain destinations, with Santorini being the most notable example, the burden and pressure exerted by cruise visitors are overwhelming for the residents, while the experience of other visitors to the island is adversely affected.

The increase in the disembarkation fee for cruise visitors in Santorini, and possibly in Mykonos, which is currently two euros per person and will increase to at least ten euros, as 'Kathimerini' revealed on August 7th, is only one of the measures being promoted. Government sources speak of a holistic intervention rather than a temporary and piecemeal approach.

The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (TAIPED) is participating in the discussion with a comprehensive set of proposals. TAIPED was represented by CEO Dimitris Politis at the interministerial meeting held earlier this month on the subject. The main axes of the TAIPED proposals are:

i) Liberalisation of port charges for cruises. The proposal is to allow local port authorities to set the fees for cruise ships as well as for day-trip boats, which in some cases cause additional strain comparable to that of cruise ships. It is noted that while Greece offers some of the most attractive cruise destinations, it has the lowest port charges. For example, in destinations like Venice, Valencia, and even Kusadasi, port charges are multiple times higher than those in Greece's top destinations like Santorini. Additionally, it is suggested that for ports still under state control, a formula should be sought to simplify the complex bureaucratic procedures involved in adjusting port charges, which can delay the process by several months.

ii) Increase of the disembarkation fee for cruise passengers who disembark on the islands. TAIPED proposes a ticket for Santorini that could exceed 10 euros. The suggestion is to establish a fee similar to other imposed fees, such as the Resilience Fee, with a compensatory nature. TAIPED's proposal is for these funds to be allocated locally, meaning the revenue from Santorini's visitors would be used for projects on the island, with an emphasis on interventions aimed at reducing the impact of cruises.

iii) Development of new destinations, in combination with existing ones. This proposal involves coordinating with cruise companies to incorporate smaller ports or islands with lower tourist traffic, such as Kavala or Volos, into their itineraries alongside popular destinations.

iv) Finally, TAIPED proposes examining the possibility of assigning the management of terminals for cruise ships and day-trip boats to specialised providers with expertise in the field. This would lead to better management and distribution of ship schedules and visits to popular destinations, avoiding the overcrowding of many ships on specific days or times, which causes significant problems.

The new framework for cruises is also expected to include the drafting of new studies on the carrying capacity of popular destinations, to redefine stricter limits on daily visitors, including day-trip boats, which are currently exempt from the existing limits.

Article by Dora Antoniou/Kathimerini(220824)