• Cruise ship arrivals almost doubled this year compared to 2020, with bookings for next year already racing ahead of 2021

As tourism continues to feel the impact of the pandemic for a second year, cruising is making a comeback in Cyprus and other parts of the world. On this World Tourism Day, DP World Limassol reiterates its commitment to further bolster the country’s cruise industry and turn the Limassol port into a top cruise hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Before the pandemic, the country’s cruise industry was experiencing an impressive revival, which was suddenly stifled when the spread of Covid-19 forced social distancing and travel shutdowns. However, in 2021, the Cypriot cruise industry showed incredible resilience. Between January-August 2021, a total of 36 cruise ships (both homeport and transit calls) berthed at the Terminal, compared to only 19 ships in the whole of 2020, while DP World Limassol is expecting a surge in bookings in 2022, compared to 2021.

Each year, World Tourism Day is commemorated on 27 September, with festivities around the globe led by the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This year’s World Tourism Day focuses on Inclusive Growth, acknowledging the fact that marginalised communities and groups have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and pledging to leave no one behind in the way out of this crisis. This theme is aligned with DP World’s commitment to community engagement and its efforts to support the communities where it operates.

In statements, the CEO of DP World Limassol, Mr Nawaf Abdulla, spoke about the Company’s commitment to Inclusive Growth, pointing out that “the Company’s vision to turn the Limassol port into a major regional cruise hub, as well as its goal to promote the sustainable growth of cruise tourism in Cyprus, is aimed at driving growth across the entire country. Specifically, shore excursions and tours from Limassol port offer tourists the opportunity to discover the island’s beautiful but remote countryside, thereby boosting the economies of rural and mountain communities.”

Mr Abdulla also spoke about the gradual return to cruising at Limassol port: “While our numbers haven’t yet reached pre-pandemic levels, the sector’s performance has been picking up, given the circumstances. Besides, in October, we are expecting a surge in cruise ship arrivals. The return to cruising was quicker than expected, as cruise operators have been implementing strict health protocols on board. As such, we are cautiously optimistic for the upcoming period.”