Eastern Sicily cruise ports target 640,000 passengers by 2030

A study by Risposte Turismo indicates that the cruise industry could become a major driver of economic and tourism development for Eastern Sicily. The port system comprising Catania, Siracusa, and Pozzallo is projected to handle up to 640,000 passengers annually by 2030, potentially generating a direct economic impact of over 81 million euros.

According to the report, Catania is expected to be the primary hub for growth, likely accounting for 87% of total movements by 2026. Siracusa is positioning itself toward the premium-luxury segment, while Pozzallo aims to attract niche cruise ships.

Historical data shows a positive trend over the last decade, with a peak of over 370,000 cruise passengers in 2023. Following a period of adjustment in 2024, traffic reached 271,000 passengers in 2025, with estimates for 2026 rising to more than 330,000.