Tuesday, July 1, 2025 - 09:48 by ce-press
Cruise tourism to Svalbard generated NOK361.5 million (€31 million) in 2024, the vast majority of which was in Longyearbyen, which received 506 calls bringing 67,000 passengers.
Expedition calls contributed NOK235 million and conventional NOK112.5 million respectively, despite there being less passengers on the prior ships, according to an economic impact study conducted by the Svalbard Cruise Forum.
This year calls will number more than 500, of which 480 are expedition ships on turnaround, bringing an expected 26,000 passengers. Transit calls account for just 22 calls (35,000 passengers) with AIDA Cruises and Viking Cruises overnighting.
Cruise tourism is estimated to generate about nine percent of the economic activity in Svalbard.
These numbers could prove helpful given existing and proposed legislation. A total ban on heavy fuel oil was introduced in 2022.
This year restrictions were introduced under the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act. These include: prohibiting landings in protected areas except to 43 sites when it comes to tourist activities; a limit of 200 passengers on board ships in all protected areas; prohibiting the use of drones in protected areas; a speed limit of 5 knots at a distance of 500m from land outside bird cliffs between April 1 and August 31; and keeping a minimum 150m distance from haul-sites for walruses (except for necessary access to ports, buildings etc) as well as a 5 knot speed limit at a distance of 300m.
In addition a general prohibition against unnecessarily disturbing, attracting or pursuing polar bears has been established. Distance requirements have been introduced, and one must keep at least 300m away from bears. In the period from March 1 to June 30, one must keep at least 500m away. If one discovers a bear at close range, one is obliged to retreat.
In addition, a decision is awaited on whether the Norwegian authorities will introduce a limit of 500 to 750 people on board cruiseships sailing in Svalbard territorial waters. “Should this be implemented in Longyearbyen, this will not only have a negative effect on those involved in the travel trade but the wider community,” says Eva-Britt Kornfeldt, Svalbard Cruise Forum. For example, conventional cruise contributes NOK19 million to the transport and storage industry, NOK12 million to wholesale and retail trade and NOK37.5 million to the arts, entertainment and recreation sector.
On April 29 there was a mandatory meeting organised by the Svalbard Cruise Forum on Teams for all operators sailing to Svalbard. The aim was to provide information and updates on tourist and legislative information regarding cruise. “Making it mandatory was to ensure that all operators get the necessary information, as well as collecting all stakeholders and their information together,” she says, while adding that those who did not attend cannot be sanctioned.
This year for the first time, the Forum initiated the TemaCafe Cruise meeting in which the Association of Arctic Expedition Operators took part. Longyearbyen residents were invited to share their thoughts on cruise activity in the town with the goal being to ensure that local voices are heard.
