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Cruise recovery and yaching

By Anastasia Vamvaka

A breath of optimism that the tourism shipping industry is emerging from the storm of the pandemic – although the war turmoil and price hikes are still severe – gives the data of summer bookings to the big companies in the industry. The partial recovery that shows that it will prevail in the summer of 2022, with the final goal of returning to the normal rhythms of the tourism industry in the summer of 2023, is estimated to give the required financial breath after two years of serious losses in the industry. In the two major ports, the cruise has a projected increase of 118% for the port of Piraeus and 189% for the port of Thessaloniki, with OLTH recording an impressive increase in approaches.

The companies point out that the war in Ukraine has not yet affected bookings, although some Black Sea cruises in areas close to the war zone have already been canceled, noting that momentum seems to be maintained despite uncertainty. The Russian and Ukrainian passengers of cruise ships bound for destinations in the Greek islands represent a small number of travelers, while the problems faced by companies concerning Russian and Ukrainian sailors and employees working on ships are greater.

The OLTH phenomenon

In 2022, 62 confirmed cruise arrivals are expected at OLTH, compared to 17 in 2021, with the port of Northern Greece having “put its bow” in order to enter dynamically on the map of the cruise. According to recent data, the listed company was expected to expect around 55 confirmed arrivals from 11 different cruise companies with 15 different cruise ships. However, as noted in a recent presentation to analysts, the TPA expects 62 confirmed cruise arrivals for this year.

Already, however, according to what was announced in mid-January by the Hellenic Ports Association, data for the port of Thessaloniki, compared to 2021 and 2019 (given that 2020 was essentially a year of restart of the cruise industry), “showed” that in Thessaloniki the number of passengers more than doubled (+ 142%). The port, from 26th in number of passengers in 2019, was found in 14th in 2021, while based on the number of arrivals, from 36th in 2019, was in 18th place in 2021. Cruise ship arrivals almost tripled, from 6 in 2019 to 17 in 2021.

“Bookings so far have been particularly positive for the industry as a whole,” said George Koubenas, president of the Association of Cruise Ships and Shipping Operators (EEKFN) and CEO of Celestyal Cruises, adding that the restrictions will be lifted. and climate. Giving an overview of the market, the commercial director of Celestyal Cruises, Leslie Peden, said that passenger bookings based on the data that his company has to date will reach 64% in 2019 in 2022 and that traditional markets from the US, UK, Germany and France will account for 50% of bookings.

Rhodes – Chania

70% of cruise reservations are already included, which include in their trip the favorite destination of Rhodes. According to the data of the Rhodes Port Fund, the estimates indicate that the situation in terms of occupancy is already at 70%, while there are many prospects for improvement for over 80%. “It is a fact that the tourist season has opened for the cruise as well. Of course, we are in the middle of difficult times for the whole planet, but we are optimistic for 2022. The first data show that the fullness has started very dynamically (60% -70% for in the first months), which is something very positive “, said characteristically the Cruise Development consultant for the Municipal Port Fund of South Dodecanese, Mr. Ioannis Bras.

The recovery of the cruise in Greece after the two years of the pandemic “shows” the data so far, according to the general secretary of EOT, Dimitris Fraggakis. Mr. Fraggakis, referring to the port of Souda in a recent visit, said that, according to the data available so far, in Souda is expected an increase of 80% in ships and 60% in passenger occupancy compared to last year. According to Mr. Fraggakis, “as in the part of air arrivals, so we will have a good year in the part of cruise arrivals”.

The problems

Like other industries, the cruise is severely affected by rising fuel prices, resulting in a 30% increase in operating costs. The president of EEKFN referred to the shortage observed in the crews, since the Ukrainian sailors represent 15% of the crews of the international shipping.

The champions

Home porting is especially important for the countries involved in the cruise, because it has additional financial benefits due to the need for passenger accommodation before and after the cruise, but also the need for refueling, maintenance and supply of ships. According to data from the Hellenic Ports Association, in 2021 the total number of cruise ship arrivals in Greek ports amounted to 1,957 and the number of passengers to 1,316,662. The increase in arrivals compared to 2020 amounts to 732% and to passengers to 1,750%. In the number of cruise ships, in the first places are Piraeus, Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes, Santorini, Katakolo and Heraklion. The number of passengers is preceded by Corfu, Piraeus, Mykonos, Rhodes, Katakolo, Heraklion and Santorini.

Source: Capital

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