European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas told the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum in Iraklio, Crete on Tuesday that Brussels is preparing to unveil a new Ports Strategy designed to support ports and their users during challenging times.

In his keynote speech at the 8th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum (PSTF), Tzitzikostas, who serves as the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, announced that the forthcoming Ports Strategy will be made public later this year, with significant input from the cruise tourism sector.

“This comprehensive plan will focus on strengthening the competitiveness of European ports while advancing sustainability, accelerating the energy transition, improving working conditions, and increasing resilience to geopolitical and economic disruptions. Crucially, the cruise industry will play a vital role in both the development and implementation of this strategy,” he said.

He concluded with a strong message of balance: “We understand that without competitiveness, there is no sustainable future. I will do everything in my power to ensure that our green policies are designed to enhance – not hinder – the strength of this vital industry.”

Tzitzikostas then highlighted the scale of both the opportunity and the challenge facing the cruise sector: “In Greece alone, there were nearly 5,500 cruise port calls in 2024, bringing approximately 8 million passengers to our shores. This is a remarkable number that reflects how vital this sector is to both our national and regional economies. However, growth must not come at the expense of sustainability. Competitiveness and environmental responsibility must go hand-in-hand if we are to secure a future for the next generation of travellers.”

He also drew attention to the evolving demographics of the cruise market: “Interest in cruise holidays among young people has increased by more than 55% over the past five years, indicating a renewed enthusiasm for the experience. At the same time, environmental awareness has surged, with concerns about the cruise industry’s impact on the planet rising by 32% among this same group. We must listen and respond to these changing values.”

The 2025 PSTF concludes on Wednesday, with the next edition expected in 2027.