Thessaloniki to host 2023 Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum: organiser talks new trends

The 2023 Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum will be held in Thessaloniki next spring, with organisers moving the biennial cruising and yachting conference away from Athens for the first time since its inception 11 years ago.

The 7th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum will take place at Thessaloniki’s Makedonia Palace Hotel on 25-26 April 2022. Greece’s second biggest port, Thessaloniki, is emerging as a major homeporting hub in the eastern Mediterranean and Balkan regions because of significant investments and sea and airport infrastructure upgrades.

This year’s forum focuses on a post-pandemic restart, addressing the challenges ahead for the cruise industry to regain its growth momentum. Foremost among these challenges is diversifying cruise itineraries to help ease pressure on areas in the Med that are suffering from over-tourism.

“Special focus will be on the necessity for regions and cruise lines to cooperate in expanding itinerary range, increasing infrastructure viability and popularity of new ports of call, and managing call concentrations to defuse over-tourism phenomena,” Theodore Vokos, managing director of organiser Posidonia Exhibitions, tells MIN.

“Stakeholders in the region must work closely with the cruise lines to create more itinerary options to help dilute call density, over-tourism and high season crowding in marquee ports. One of the goals of the 7th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum will be to highlight new destinations, both in Greece and the region, as the cruise industry needs more options going forward.”

The 2023 Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum will also explore sustainability challenges from cruising growth in the Mediterranean and examine potential solutions from various angles, including operational and infrastructure development.

“We have already started compiling the speaker list as well as the structure of the programme,” says Vokos. “We have also confirmed that we will be working closely with CLIA Europe (Cruise Lines International Association), which will be organising a conference session during our event, to address issues at the centre of the cruise industry.”

Vokos says he expects a “great turnout” from cruise lines, given feedback from executives at the recent Seatrade Cruise Med Exhibition in Malaga.

Sea tourism is an essential economic driver in Europe during uncertain times, but its growth must be managed responsibly.

“Cruising was amongst the first sectors of tourism to resume operation safely and responsibly in Europe, even during the pandemic, with industry-leading protocols, while at the same time continued to work towards achieving carbon neutrality and other top environmental targets,” says Vokos.

“This highlighted that sea tourism can become one of the catalysts to help European economies to rebound from the pandemic. Coastal tourism and yachting are also important economic drivers, much needed for the region during these turbulent times.”

He adds: “An important aspect of sea tourism is that, if properly managed, it is one of the most sustainable forms of tourism and therefore of immense importance to Europe, which boasts some of the most picturesque and beautiful locations worldwide.”

Sea tourism encompasses much more than traditional cruises: it also refers to yachting or sailing and the opportunity to visit ‘hidden gem’ destinations that can only be accessed by sea.

“Sea tourism is a way of life, and most travellers who try it fall in love with it – especially in a country like Greece, with thousands of islands and a unique coastline,” says Vokos. “The Mediterranean Sea is especially blessed as it has many regions ideal for sea tourism. Cruise lines are a big part of this new approach, as they uplift the travellers’ experience by offering amazing new vessels with endless choices for everyone.”

While not all countries can support sea tourism development, many are currently investing in elevating infrastructure to welcome cruises. This should be welcomed, but must be handled responsibly, Vokos says.

“The biggest challenge is for this development to go hand in hand with sustainability and protection of the natural and cultural environment in ports and destinations,” says Vokos.

“It is important to introduce more destination and port alternatives to dilute impact and optimise cruise traffic management, especially in the Mediterranean. [There are many] Mediterranean gems that deserve to be given the chance to evolve commercially, develop adequate infrastructures and share the benefits.

“We invite all interested stakeholders to attend the two-day forum and meet the decision-makers in person. We look forward to welcoming you to Thessaloniki.”

Conde Nast Traveller has recently listed the city among the 22 “most underestimated” European destinations.

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