Thessaloniki's port authority has launched a new partnership with an international consultancy to strengthen the city's position in the global cruise tourism market and turn the northern Greek metropolis into a major embarkation hub.
ThPA S.A., the company that manages the Port of Thessaloniki, announced a collaboration with Five Senses Consulting & Development, a consultancy specialising in cruise destination and port development. According to the port authority, the cooperation aims to leverage the advantages of the port, the city, and the wider northern Greece region.
According to the relevant announcement, the initiative is part of the port authority's broader strategy to boost cruise activity in Thessaloniki, supported by the port's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and the fully equipped "Alexander the Great" cruise terminal, situated close to the city centre and major cultural attractions across northern Greece.
As part of the collaboration, senior officials from both organisations held working meetings to examine opportunities for further growth in cruise tourism. Discussions included the prospect of homeporting, using Thessaloniki as a departure and arrival point for cruise passengers, a move that could significantly increase visitor numbers and economic benefits for the local tourism sector.
Representatives of the consultancy also met with Thessaloniki mayor Stelios Angeloudis to strengthen coordination among the port, the municipality, and tourism stakeholders. The goal is to develop a coordinated framework of actions that will promote the destination internationally while improving the overall experience for cruise passengers visiting the city.
Key strategic priorities under the partnership include assessing Thessaloniki's potential for homeporting, strengthening cooperation with local tourism organisations, creating new visitor experiences in the city and across northern Greece, and promoting Thessaloniki in international cruise industry forums.
ThPA chief executive Ioannis Tsaras stated: "Thessaloniki offers significant potential in the cruise sector. This collaboration aims to further capitalise on the port's and the city's advantages, strengthen relationships with cruise companies, and shape an even more competitive and sustainable product for the destination.”
Ioannis Bras, chief executive of Five Senses Consulting, described Thessaloniki as "a destination with a strong identity, rich cultural heritage, and significant prospects for further growth in the cruise sector". He added that the partnership would focus on enhancing the city's presence in the international cruise market and developing opportunities for homeporting.
