In addition, 139 vessels are slated to dock at Limassol port, including 26 that will call it their home port. Hadjimanolis marked the upcoming season’s kickoff with Marella Cruises on April 2, 2025. “Choosing Limassol as a home base for embarking and disembarking is a strong vote of confidence in what Cyprus has to offer,” Hadjimanolis said during an interview with Philenews. She added that “It’s a pivotal development that boosts our economy and cement our status as a safe, stable haven on the global stage.” The deputy minister detailed how this upswing in cruise activity is set to ripple through the tourism and shipping sectors, promising widespread economic benefits.

Central to sustaining this momentum is the newly endorsed national strategy for cruise tourism, which focuses on cultivating strategic partnerships and launching forward-thinking initiatives. According to Hadjimanolis, to keep competitive, Cyprus is stepping up its game at international exhibitions and conferences, aiming to attract fresh cruise lines to its shores. “By being proactive on the global stage, we’re positioning Cyprus as the top pick for Mediterranean cruise itineraries,” she explained.

Alongside the revival of its cruise industry, the ferry service between Cyprus and Greece continues to draw in crowds, offering a crucial travel alternative for those less inclined or unable to fly.

It was noted that “with 22 return voyages on the calendar for 2025, the service aligns perfectly with the tourist season, continuing to meet a range of societal needs”. Hadjimanolis also touched on the impact of the recent ceasefire in Gaza on the region, noting a positive shift in the Eastern Mediterranean’s climate. “This easing of geopolitical tensions is a relief, paving the way for smoother sailing in our waters,” she explained.

Looking ahead, the deputy minister unveiled plans to set up a cruise tourism advisory board to fine-tune operational strategies, boost marketing efforts, and strengthen international partnerships. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise port facilities and enhance visitor experiences onshore, ensuring Cyprus remains a leader in cruise tourism innovation.

The platform was built to simplify bunker procurement, cutting through the complexity of fuel buying with real-time pricing, automated contract management, and flexible financing options. “Being based in Cyprus allows XMAR to stay close to the industry while building technology that serves a global market,” Peacock said. “We needed a base that was connected to shipping but also forward-looking,”, he added. “Cyprus gives us that balance,” Peacock continued. “The shipping community here is strong, and there’s a growing appetite for digital solutions. It’s a great place to build for the future.”

Stork also noted that with more than 200 shipping companies operating on the island and the sector contributing over seven percent of GDP, Cyprus is already a major player in European shipping. However, he pointed out that the momentum is shifting towards a broader role—one that includes sustainability, digital transformation, and alternative fuels.

Notably, green shipping initiatives, regulatory changes, and the push for more efficient operations are creating new challenges for ship operators. “Companies in Cyprus are well-placed to meet those challenges, whether through better fuel procurement, smarter voyage planning, or new financing solutions for shipowners,” Stork said. “For shipping professionals and businesses looking for a place to grow, Cyprus offers the rare combination of industry depth, business stability, and quality of life,” he added. “As the sector evolves, the island is proving to be more than just a ship management hub. It’s becoming a centre for the next generation of maritime solutions,” the XMAR CEO concluded.

Source: Cyprus Mail