In October 2023, Limassol port achieved a record by welcoming 31 cruise ships and approximately 48,000 passengers, making it the best month since 2017. The influx of cruise visitors not only boosted the local economy but also showcased the port’s growing importance in the Eastern Mediterranean cruise circuit.
What record did Limassol port achieve in October 2023?
In October 2023, Limassol port set a record by welcoming 31 cruise ships and approximately 48,000 passengers, marking its best monthly performance since 2017. This surge in cruise visitors bolstered the local economy and highlighted the port’s increasing role as a significant stop in the Eastern Mediterranean cruise circuit.
A Month of Milestones
In a striking announcement, DP World Limassol has shared that October 2023 was a record-breaking month for cruise ship visits at Limassol port. An impressive tally of 31 cruise ships docked, bringing around 48,000 passengers ashore. This feat marks the best monthly performance for the company since it began operating the cruise terminal in 2017. The influx of tourists not only experienced the charm of Limassol city but also ventured out on guided tours to the island’s many attractions, providing a substantial boost to the local economy.
Diverse Destinations and Cultural Celebrations
October saw passengers from a sweeping array of countries, including the US, South America, Italy, Spain, Indonesia, Australia, Israel, and the UK, disembark in Cyprus. They were treated to popular excursions, such as visits to idyllic wine villages and historic sites like Paphos Castle and the verdant Troodos Mountains. Highlighting the diversity of the visitors, data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) suggests that these guests are likely to return, with 60% of passengers often revisiting the destinations of their cruises for extended holidays.
Homeport Advantages and Future Prospects
The port also served as a homeport or partial homeport for six cruise ships this season, a trend expected to continue through 2024. The strategic position of Limassol and its facilities have been lauded for their ability to provide seamless embarkation points for residents looking to explore the seas.
Engaging Local Traditions
In harmony with the October wine festival, DP World Limassol and the local municipality organized a special event. Passengers had the opportunity to savor traditional Cypriot treats, witness the age-old practice of grape stomping, and be entertained by musicians performing local melodies.
A Sector in Rebirth
Simon Pitout, CEO of DP World Limassol, attributes the month’s success to concerted efforts with the government and sector stakeholders to cultivate cruise line relationships. Despite regional geopolitical challenges, Pitout remains optimistic about the sector’s resurgence, anticipating around 200 cruises by year’s end and a similar number already booked for the next year, which reinforces Limassol’s position as an essential stop in the Eastern Mediterranean cruise circuit.
Community and Economy Synergy
The record-breaking month is a testament to the synergistic relationship between the cruising industry and the local community, signaling continued economic growth and cultural exchange. This global interest in Cyprus as a destination supports the broader tourism sector and underscores the potential for further development in the years to come.
Quick Recap
- In October 2023, Limassol port achieved a record by welcoming 31 cruise ships and approximately 48,000 passengers, making it the best month since 2017.
- The influx of cruise visitors not only boosted the local economy but also showcased the port’s growing importance in the Eastern Mediterranean cruise circuit.
- Passengers from a variety of countries disembarked in Cyprus, experiencing popular excursions and contributing to the local economy.
- Limassol port served as a homeport or partial homeport for six cruise ships this season, with this trend expected to continue through 2024.
- The success of the month was attributed to concerted efforts with the government and sector stakeholders to cultivate cruise line relationships, reinforcing Limassol’s position as an essential stop in the Eastern Mediterranean cruise circuit.
