Statistical Office of The Republic of Slovenia
Statistical Office of The Republic of Slovenia
05/13/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/13/2026 02:33
European Maritime Day
European Maritime Day
Most cruise ship passengers in Mediterranean countries, growth also in Slovenia
The cruise season is becoming longer. In 2024, the Port of Koper recorded 4% more cruise ship passengers than in the previous year. At the European level, the highest number of cruise passengers (9.7 million) was recorded in Italy.
- 13 May 2026 at 10:30
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- Mateja Kos
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On European Maritime Day, celebrated on 20 May, highlights the importance of the sea and maritime activities for Europe's development, statistical data show a growing number of cruise ship passengers, which is highly significant for tourism.
Passenger traffic from cruise ships in Slovenian ports is increasing, and the season is lengthening
Most cruise ships arrive in Slovenian ports during the summer months (from June to August). The season traditionally lasted from May to September, but in recent years it has extended to the period from April to November. In Slovenian ports, the number of cruise ship passengers has been increasing in recent years. A particularly large rise was recorded in 2018, when 109,000 passengers were counted, almost 50% more than in 2017 (74,000).
In 2024, 129,000 passengers arrived by cruise ship, which was an 18% increase compared to 2018. It needs to be mentioned that cruise ship passengers are counted only once, as arriving passengers. Most cruise ships dock at the ports of Koper and Piran, where passenger terminals are located close to the city centres. In 2024, the Port of Koper recorded 125,000 passengers (4% more than in 2023), and the Port of Piran 4,000 passengers (17% fewer than in 2023).
Most cruise passengers in Mediterranean countries
Among EU Member States, Mediterranean destinations stand out in terms of the number of cruise ship passengers who temporarily disembark at ports of call to visit tourist attractions. In 2024, Italy recorded the highest number, with 9.7 million passengers, followed by Spain with 8.9 million and France with 3.7 million. With about 129,000 passengers, Slovenia ranks in the lower half of EU Member States, though not at the very bottom, as three countries (Ireland, Lithuania and Latvia) recorded fewer passengers.
Nevertheless, the data indicate gradual growth and increasing recognition of ports. Between 2019 and 2024, the most significant increase in cruise passenger traffic was recorded in Iceland, where the number of passengers grew by 82%, from 370,000 to 1 million. Iceland was followed by Italy, where the number of passengers increased by 50%, and Portugal, where it grew by 36%, from 710,000 to 1.7 million.
Passenger traffic from cruise ships in Slovenian ports is increasing, and the season is lengthening
Most cruise ships arrive in Slovenian ports during the summer months (from June to August). The season traditionally lasted from May to September, but in recent years it has extended to the period from April to November. In Slovenian ports, the number of cruise ship passengers has been increasing in recent years. A particularly large rise was recorded in 2018, when 109,000 passengers were counted, almost 50% more than in 2017 (74,000).
In 2024, 129,000 passengers arrived by cruise ship, which was an 18% increase compared to 2018. It needs to be mentioned that cruise ship passengers are counted only once, as arriving passengers. Most cruise ships dock at the ports of Koper and Piran, where passenger terminals are located close to the city centres. In 2024, the Port of Koper recorded 125,000 passengers (4% more than in 2023), and the Port of Piran 4,000 passengers (17% fewer than in 2023).
Most cruise passengers in Mediterranean countries
Among EU Member States, Mediterranean destinations stand out in terms of the number of cruise ship passengers who temporarily disembark at ports of call to visit tourist attractions. In 2024, Italy recorded the highest number, with 9.7 million passengers, followed by Spain with 8.9 million and France with 3.7 million. With about 129,000 passengers, Slovenia ranks in the lower half of EU Member States, though not at the very bottom, as three countries (Ireland, Lithuania and Latvia) recorded fewer passengers.
Nevertheless, the data indicate gradual growth and increasing recognition of ports. Between 2019 and 2024, the most significant increase in cruise passenger traffic was recorded in Iceland, where the number of passengers grew by 82%, from 370,000 to 1 million. Iceland was followed by Italy, where the number of passengers increased by 50%, and Portugal, where it grew by 36%, from 710,000 to 1.7 million.
When making use of the data and information of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, always add: "Source: SURS". More: Copyright.
Statistical Office of The Republic of Slovenia published this content on May 13, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 13, 2026 at 08:33 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]