Heavy losses in the cruise sector
The current year is considered lost for the cruise sector due to significant losses in tourist arrivals compared to previous years. The decrease in cruise ships at Limassol port is attributed to the war in Gaza since late 2023, affecting the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. The number of cruise ships expected to arrive in 2024 is significantly reduced, with only 68 ships and an estimated 120,000 passengers. The Government has established a Cruise Tourism Working Group to develop a National Cruise Strategy. The goal is to become competitive and utilize cruise tourism to contribute to the economy and promote culture. The Deputy Minister of Shipping participated in discussions on decarbonising the cruise industry and increasing tourist arrivals via cruise ships in the coming years. The war in Israel has led to a decrease in Cypriots traveling by cruise ships, with only 25,000 expected to travel in 2024, mainly during the summer period.