The committee's purpose is to oversee the cooperation of all stakeholders in the industry through the development or implementation of a common and unified strategic plan for the cruise industry. It has come into being through a joint decision of the ministries of Shipping and Island Policy and Economy, Development and Tourism.

Theodore Kontes, Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Associate Members, president, said "instead of having a quick task force of eight to 10 people who could meet and decide swiftly on important issues, we now have a big and cumbersome body which could create more bureaucracy than the sector currently faces".

Hinting the committee was more political than practical, Kontes complained "the people on the committee should be well versed in the issues facing the industry and have a positive disposition to service the cruise sector".

In fact the body comprises 28 representatives of institutions, including general secretaries of six different ministries. It will be chaired by the Shipping ministry general secretary and will aim to promote measures and incentives, improvement and development of the cruise and the submission of documented proposals to solve problems.

The Shipping ministry argues the size of the committee and the breadth of organisations represented, public and private, will help identify issues early. It maintains the "Greek state is thus equipped with an important institutional tool for policymakers in an industry with significant growth prospects and anticipated benefits for the Greek economy".

Majestic International Cruises, md, Michael Lambros, saluted implementation of the new committee but said "because of its many members it will de facto be rendered inoperative".

Lambros said that in view of Cosco's ambitions to develop cruising in Piraeus it is necessary to have an effective body. After gaining control of the Piraeus Port Authority, China's Cosco has pledged to invest some €250m in developing Piraeus as a cruise hub. In view of this, Lambros called on the leadership of the Shipping and Finance ministries to reconsider their decision and instead create a small committee able to cope with the everyday issues arising for the cruise industry.