The prospects of the Maritime Industry for 2023

For the cruise industry, 2022 was a transitional year emerging from the pandemic and progressively returning to normality. All CLIA cruise lines have successfully returned to operation in 100 cruise markets around the world, and we anticipate 2023 to be the year when we will be able to surpass the 2019 cruise ship passenger volumes. CLIA’s latest consumer sentiment data show that the appetite for cruise travel is now greater than in 2019 and this is also thanks to the sector’s responsible return to service as well as commitment to sustainability –both in terms of the environment and responsible tourism– as crucial part of the future of the maritime sector.

CLIA members have committed to pursue net zero carbon cruising by 2050 and, to reach this goal, they make significant investments in new, technologically updated and more energy efficient vessels. Renewable and low-carbon fuels are also a critical element to the maritime industry decarbonization strategy. CLIA is therefore calling for a more consistent approach on the measures proposed throughout the EU Fit for 55 package - which will continue to be debated in 2023 in Brussels - to support the production, distribution, and use of renewable fuels. The decarbonization of the maritime sector is a cooperative effort and we rely on the support of the EU MS to achieve our goal.

At the same time, cruising is an integral part of sustainable tourism, and we are committed to support further sustainable cruise tourism management practices. In 2023, we plan on continuing our engagement with key ports and destinations around the world to improve the impact of cruising in the local communities and help them map out a plan for a future of sustainable tourism. We will also continue contributing to the unlocking of the great potential that certain cruise destinations have, such as Greece and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region.

For Greece, 2023 will be a record year both in terms of cruise ship calls and homeporting activities, as well as cruise passenger volumes. The dynamics were shown already from this year, with 87 CLIA cruise ships operating in Greece, out of the 279 ones in the CLIA fleet, and noting a 25% increase in cruise ship calls compared to 2019 national levels. We remain committed in working jointly with Greek destinations to manage tourism responsibly so that they remain great places to live and visit.

Greece’s role as a cruise destination will be upgraded further in 2023 along with the increased popularity of Turkey, Israel, and Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

National Director, Eastern Mediterranean, CLIA

Maria Deligianni National Director, Eastern Mediterranean, CLIA