Abstract
The Blue Economy constitutes a large and fast growing part of the
European Economy. In 2017, it accounted for nearly € 74.3 billion in gross
operating profit, and an annual turnover of approximately € 658 billion. Among
all blue economic sectors, cruise tourism is one of the most important ones, with
the Mediterranean region still accounting for the second most popular cruise
destination in the world, after the Caribbean. The contribution of the cruise
sector to the local economies of most ports of call however, proves to be quite
limited, with negative externalities often surpassing derived benefits. Promoting
and integrating ‘traditional’ products into cruise supply chains can be a
promising solution addressing this situation. It may also provide passengers with an enhanced local-tasting experience that may make their journey even more memorable. Focusing on Greece and its numerous ports integrated into various cruise itineraries, this paper explores cruise network characteristics and identifies local products that can be promoted at different ports of call for boosting customer experience. Through a novel e-marketplace that is being outlined, cruise companies will be able to directly connect with local producers and suppliers and place their orders. Seamless information may also provide benefits with regard to improving transport and logistics processes.
European Economy. In 2017, it accounted for nearly € 74.3 billion in gross
operating profit, and an annual turnover of approximately € 658 billion. Among
all blue economic sectors, cruise tourism is one of the most important ones, with
the Mediterranean region still accounting for the second most popular cruise
destination in the world, after the Caribbean. The contribution of the cruise
sector to the local economies of most ports of call however, proves to be quite
limited, with negative externalities often surpassing derived benefits. Promoting
and integrating ‘traditional’ products into cruise supply chains can be a
promising solution addressing this situation. It may also provide passengers with an enhanced local-tasting experience that may make their journey even more memorable. Focusing on Greece and its numerous ports integrated into various cruise itineraries, this paper explores cruise network characteristics and identifies local products that can be promoted at different ports of call for boosting customer experience. Through a novel e-marketplace that is being outlined, cruise companies will be able to directly connect with local producers and suppliers and place their orders. Seamless information may also provide benefits with regard to improving transport and logistics processes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Advances in Mobility-as-a-Service Systems |
| Editors | Eftihia Nathanail, Gannis Adamos, Ioannis Karakikes |
| Publisher | Springer US |
| Pages | 1086-1096 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Volume | 1278 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-3-030-61075-3 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-3-030-61074-6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2021 |