Feasibility of the Development of Cruise Terminal in Lavrio Port under Concession Scheme

Cruise industry is an economic activity experiencing a noticeable growth during the last years worldwide. The efficient exploitation of existing ports and related infrastructures for the development and expansion of this tourism segment of the Greek economy can provide multidimensional benefits. This paper examines the fundamentals qualitative parameters of the port of Lavrio in order to be established as a cruise terminal, decreasing Piraeus port congestion. Efficient cooperation between public sector as owner of infrastructures and private entities providing knowledge and know how in cruise industry can produce high quality services for the clients, ensuring Value for Money and profit maximization for the involved parties. The paper examines the potential for the development of a home port in Lavrio via concession agreement and presents the major parameters that should be evaluated from the public sector for the selection of the optimal bidder. This case study is evaluated in order to examine the feasibility of the investment for the private sector and the potential benefits for the public sector, under specific assumptions under the case study scenario.