MedCruise, the world's largest association of cruise ports, announces the launch of its Cruise Economic Impact Assessment Study, a major initiative aimed at providing a comprehensive and data-driven understanding of the economic, social and environmental impact of cruise tourism.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with Professor Thanos Pallis of the Department of Maritime Studies at the University of Piraeus and brings together more than 12 MedCruise member ports from the Atlantic, Western Mediterranean, Adriatic, Eastern Mediterranean, and Red Sea regions. This broad geographical coverage reflects the diversity of cruise destinations and market dynamics across the Mediterranean and beyond.
Participating ports include: Cape Verde, Cartagena, Dubrovnik, Gibraltar, Kotor, Lavrio, Ports of Sardinia, Sibenik, Taranto, Tarragona, Ports of the Bay of Toulon, Volos and Ports of Western Sicily.
By combining robust data collection with in-depth analysis, the study seeks to generate useful information for port authorities, shipping companies, policymakers, and local communities, supporting informed decision-making and sustainable growth.
Project objectives
The Economic Impact Assessment Study of Cruises has the following objectives:
- Quantify the economic impact of cruise tourism, including direct, indirect and induced effects
- Identify opportunities for the sustainable development of the sector and greater local value creation
- Strengthen relationships with local communities through clear communication of the benefits of cruise activity
- To provide guidance on increasing added value through job creation, diversification of port activities, and improvement of the passenger experience
Methodology
The study employs a robust, multidimensional methodology, combining quantitative and qualitative data to capture the full scope of the impact of cruise tourism. Key elements include:
- Analysis of spending by cruise lines, passengers, and crew to map economic flows
- Assessment of added value and impact on employment, including direct, indirect and induced effects
- Analysis of activity types, passenger profiles, and port characteristics to better understand market dynamics
Data collection has already begun and will continue throughout the cruise year, ensuring a comprehensive view of seasonal and regional variations.
Expected results
The results of the study will be consolidated and presented at Seatrade Cruise Global 2027, providing ports and industry stakeholders with a strategic roadmap to optimize the economic, social, and environmental benefits of cruise tourism.
The study is expected to become a key reference for data-driven policymaking, sustainable development of the sector, and constructive dialogue with local communities.
Voices of the project
Theodora Riga, President of MedCruise and Chair of the Corfu Port Authority, stated: “Robust data is essential, but its true value lies in how it is communicated. Cruise tourism is multifaceted, and only a holistic approach can reflect its true impact. With this initiative, MedCruise ensures that the whole story is told, facilitating informed dialogue and balanced decision-making.”
For his part, Lorenzo Vera, a member of the MedCruise Board of Directors and coordinator of the initiative, added: “This study marks a turning point in how we understand cruise tourism in the Mediterranean and its adjacent seas. By basing the analysis on solid, shared data, we are building a common framework that will allow ports and destinations to move towards a more resilient and sustainable future.”
Professor Thanos Pallis, from the Department of Maritime Studies at the University of Piraeus, noted: “This initiative will improve our understanding of the real impact of cruise activity on Mediterranean ports and destinations, generating valuable information for everyone. Fostering a data-driven culture and providing a framework for similar studies facilitates decision-making and the necessary dialogue among all stakeholders involved in the sustainable growth of the sector.”
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