THESSALONIKI – Greece’s push to bring in more cruise liners to boost tourism has resulted their crews spending almost twice as much as passengers for those vessels going to Thessaloniki, the country’s second-largest city.

That was found in a study presented at the 7th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum that took place in the northern metropolis, held there for the first time as the city is gaining in popularity.

Preliminary results were given by study’s Scientific Director, University of Piraeus Professor Thanos Pallis and showed that the average spending per passenger in the city was 54.50 euros ($60.64,) bringing in benefits.

They also spent 15.10 euros ($16.80) per person during organized excursions while the cost of the venture was 98.80 euros ($109.94) per person. But crew members spent 105.40 euros ($117.28) the report found.

And spending increased during warmer weather dockings that saw people more inclined to get off the ship and walk around the city during longer stays that also see passengers and crews also taking excursions.

It is worth emphasizing that this expenditure traditionally increases during

Cruise tourism is of immense value to Greece. For every 24 cruise guests, one full-time job is created, and on average, each guest spends 660 euros ($734.41) in port cities during a typical seven-day cruise.