Larnaca port optimistic about future of cruise tourism

Larnaca port is investing in cruise destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, it announced on Friday with the goal of attracting tourists from new markets and offering them upgraded tourist experiences.

The announcement by Kition Ocean Port, managing company of the city’s port and marina, came following its participation, with the deputy ministry of tourism, at the largest cruise exhibition in Europe, the Seatrade Europe 2023 in Hamburg.

During the exhibition, meetings were held with major cruise companies, which “allow optimism for a prosperous future” the company said, in terms of maritime tourism and the attraction of cruises to the port of Larnaca.

Larnaca port had its own display stand and company leaders took the opportunity to highlight the city’s position in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Port Director Paris Demetriou and his team presented the advantages of the city’s geographical location, as well as its potential, its security, and the multiple options for tourist explorations offered by the port.

According to the announcement, the port of Larnaca is one of the most important gateways for tourism, and completion of the planned terminal will open up new international markets, which in turn will create opportunities for Larnaca city as well as the economy as a whole.

Kition Ocean Holdings has engaged world-renowned consultants Five Senses, with the aim of establishing partnerships with its other ports and European cruise lines, the announcement added.

“With the assistance of the deputy ministry of tourism, local government, Etap (the tourism development company) and other local bodies, Kition Ocean Port plans, in the near future, organised tours for tour operators and cruise companies,” it said.

“The aim is to start the cruises dynamically before the completion of the terminal,” it added.