Heraklion, 6 May 2025
At the 8th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum in Heraklion, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas delivered a keynote address affirming cruise tourism’s dual role in driving European economic growth and demanding sustainable transition. He highlighted the sector’s substantial contribution—nearly 10% of EU GDP and over 20 million jobs—while noting the record post-pandemic rebound in European tourism.
Tzitzikostas emphasized that environmental and social responsibility must match the industry’s rapid growth. With young people both increasingly interested in cruising and more aware of its environmental costs, the industry must reduce emissions and manage destination pressures. The EU has already implemented key regulatory frameworks like the Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime to support this transition, alongside global agreements at the IMO.
He called for modernization of port infrastructure, development of onshore power supply, and fair management of port access to reduce the environmental burden on local communities. He also stressed the importance of data-driven tourism planning and seasonal diversification, encouraging regions like Crete to develop sustainable and resilient tourism models.
Looking ahead, Tzitzikostas announced a new EU Ports Strategy for 2025 and a broader European Tourism Strategy for 2026. He committed EU support through regulatory action, innovation funding, and public-private financing tools to help the cruise industry modernize, reduce emissions, and remain globally competitive. “Together,” he concluded, “we can create a win-win—for passengers, communities, the environment, and the industry.”
(E-Summary by ChatGPT, prompted by Insight EU)
EU Commissioner Tzitzikostas’ keynote speech at the 8th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum
Heraklion, 6 May 2025
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great honour and pleasure to be here in Heraklion. You have truly chosen the perfect time of year to showcase Crete to the sea tourism community. This magnificent island, one of Europe’s and Greece’s top destinations, offers iconic tourist, cultural, and archaeological landmarks—and the warmth of renowned Greek hospitality.
As European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, I see few topics that bridge both areas of my portfolio as effectively as cruise tourism. Today, I would like to share my vision for the sector, address some of the pressing challenges, and offer solutions.
Tourism contributes nearly 10% to EU GDP and supports over 20 million jobs. Beyond the numbers, tourism builds cultural bridges and fosters mutual understanding—something we need now more than ever. In 2024, tourism in Europe reached record levels, surpassing even pre-pandemic highs. Cruise tourism is a vital part of this success story. In Greece alone, almost 5,500 cruise port calls brought around 8 million passengers in 2024.
With success comes responsibility. Cruise tourism must help ensure that Destination Europe remains attractive in the long term. That means becoming more sustainable. Encouragingly, interest in cruises among young people has surged by over 55% in five years, but so have concerns about the environmental impact. We must address the footprint of ships and the pressure they place on destinations.
At the EU level, we are acting. The EU Emissions Trading System, FuelEU Maritime Regulation, and Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation are already shaping a regulatory framework for a greener future. Globally, we reached a landmark agreement at the IMO to cut shipping emissions. We urge its formal adoption at the next MEPC meeting.
Locally, ports—often next to densely populated areas—feel the environmental effects. Reports from the Commission and EMSA highlight public health impacts. Solutions like onshore power supply and advanced waste treatment facilities can dramatically reduce harm. A new EU Ports Strategy, which I plan to present later this year, will focus on competitiveness, sustainability, energy transition, and resilience.
Cruise ships today are, on average, twice the size of those in 2000. This brings economic potential but also strains infrastructure. We need secure, sustainable port systems. I’m encouraged by the rise in onshore power availability and ship compatibility, but barriers like grid capacity and permitting delays must be addressed. The EU’s Grid Action Plan and Affordable Energy Action Plan aim to tackle these.
At the destination level, managing cruise flows is critical. Crete, with its 59 cruise ports and over 200 calls expected this year in Heraklion alone, illustrates the challenge. We must diversify tourism offerings, promote off-season and off-the-beaten-path experiences, and support data-driven destination management. Visitor caps, port slot coordination, and community engagement are essential tools.
I fully recognise the balancing act between sustainability and economic growth. That’s why the Commission is committed to supporting the sector. In 2026, I will present a new European Tourism Strategy based on ongoing stakeholder input. Meanwhile, our upcoming Maritime Industrial Strategy will address fleet renewal, retrofitting, investment, innovation, and international cooperation.
The cruise industry is making real progress on emissions and sustainability. You’re setting a global example, and I believe these changes will attract a new generation of travellers. The challenges are real—but so is our support. Through EU funding mechanisms like Horizon Europe and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, we are helping to de-risk the transition.
We’ve also launched a ship financing portal to mobilise private capital. Public funds alone won’t suffice. Optimisation must come before expansion, particularly in island and small port settings.
You may not yet see the full results, but the path you are on leads to a win-win: for passengers, the environment, local communities—and for you, the cruise industry. I give you my word that I will walk this path with you, every step of the way.
Together, we can do it.
Thank you.
Source – EU Commission