CLIA Urges Rethink on Greek Port Fee Hike
The cruise industry is ready to cooperate with the Greek government and port authorities to develop infrastructure in emerging destinations, said CLIA President and CEO Bud Darr in an interview with ANA-MPA, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonian
Darr expressed concerns over Greece’s plan to raise port fees in popular spots like Mykonos and Santorini during the peak tourist season, warning of commercial impacts since cruise itineraries are already set. He also noted that local shipping agents would bear the burden of managing advance tax payments.
“We don’t support cruise fees as a tool to reduce congestion,” he said, advocating instead for better tourism management.
On decarbonization, Darr highlighted that around 60% of cruise ships are equipped with Onshore Power Supply (OPS), with that number growing annually. He praised Greece as a top cruise destination, citing its islands, coastlines, and cultural richness.
