EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)
Heraklion, Crete – A new EU Ports Strategy designed to modernize and decarbonize Europe’s maritime gateways will be unveiled before the end of the year, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas said on Tuesday.
Framed as a blueprint for aligning growth and sustainability, the strategy is set to directly impact the cruise sector – a cornerstone of Europe’s coastal tourism economy.
In his keynote speech at the 8th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum (PSTF) in Heraklion, Crete, the Commissioner said that Europe needs modern, secure, and sustainable port infrastructure and facilities to remain competitive while protecting local communities.
“We are currently working on a comprehensive EU Ports Strategy, which will cover competitiveness, sustainability, energy transition, social aspects and resilience to external threats,” said Tzitzikostas. “I intend to present it before the end of the year.”
The Commissioner’s remarks come at a time when cruise tourism is experiencing a post-pandemic resurgence.
According to data presented by Tzitzikostas, Europe saw record tourism numbers in 2024, with travelers spending nearly 3 billion nights in accommodation across the continent – a 50 percent increase over the past 15 years. Cruise demand is following suit. In Greece alone, 5,500 cruise port calls brought approximately 8 million passengers to its shores last year. Heraklion, the host city of the forum, expects 225 cruise ship calls in 2025.
But with growth comes pressure – on ports, on communities, and on the environment. Tzitzikostas stressed that sustainability must evolve from a challenge into a competitive advantage. “With success comes responsibility,” he noted. “Cruise tourism must help ensure that Destination Europe remains as attractive in the long term as it is today.”
The Commissioner outlined how the EU is pushing the cruise industry toward lower emissions through regulations such as the EU Emissions Trading System, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, and Alternative Fuels Infrastructure policies. He called for greater adoption of onshore power supply and improved waste reception facilities, while acknowledging the hurdles: grid limitations, permitting delays, and financing constraints.
Tzitzikostas also pointed to shifting consumer expectations – especially among younger travelers.
“Interest in cruises among young people has risen more than 55 percent over the last five years. However, at the same time, concern about the environmental impact of cruising has also grown by 32 percent among this same age group,” he warned.
Citing the unique pressures cruise traffic places on destination infrastructure, he advocated for smarter management: visitor caps, cruise slot coordination, and greater data-driven planning. Crete, with 59 cruise ports across the country and high seasonal surges, was positioned as both a success story and a stress test.
Closing on a message of partnership, Tzitzikostas reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the cruise sector’s transition through policy, funding, and dialogue.
“You may not see it clearly yet, but the path you are on leads to a win-win situation – for passengers, for the environment, for destinations, for local communities, and for the cruise industry,” he said to the audience of cruise sector professionals and port authorities. “And I give you my word that I will continue to walk that path with you. Every step of the way.”
Held by Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., the 8th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum continues on Wednesday, May 7, with panel discussions and presentations.
The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a media sponsor for the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum 2025.
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