Centrality measures and competitive positioning of North Adriatic cruise ports

Abstract

The article examines the competitive positioning of cruise ports in the North Adriatic Sea cruise network using network analysis and centrality measures such as degree, betweenness, closeness, and eigenvector centrality. The study provides insights into the dynamics of the cruise industry, particularly in the region and its connection to the Mediterranean. The hypothesis states that ports with higher centrality scores have a stronger competitive position and attract more cruise traffic,
leading to greater economic benefits. The aim of this study is to determine how centrality measures can reflect the strategic positioning and operational efficiency of North Adriatic cruise ports. The purpose is to offer a data-driven approach to evaluate cruise port connectivity and competitiveness, assisting port authorities and cruise operators in optimizing itineraries and enhancing regional cooperation. Results show that Zadar ranks highest in degree and eigenvector centrality, indicating robust incoming connections, while Venice leads in outdegree centrality, highlighting its role as a primary departure hub. Corfu serves as a critical transit port in betweenness centrality, facilitating connections across the  Mediterranean. The study identifies “predator” ports like Venice that act as major departure points from popular destination ports like Piraeus and Barcelona. Findings confirm that integrating centrality measures into competitive analyses is crucial for sustainable growth in the cruise sector and optimizing cruise itineraries.