Yachting in for a Rough Ride This Year

Early bookings for marine tourism this season reported an 80 percent drop compared with 2007, and due to the global economic crisis it is unknown what to expect for 2009, the president of the Hellenic Professional Yacht Owner Association, Antonis Stelliatos, told Greek press recently.

Mr. Stelliatos said that he hopes that the global market will change its attitude and begin to include the option of marine tourism for 2009.

In addition, the president of the association expressed his concern in regards to the lack of marinas in Greece. “How can our competitors such as Turkey and Croatia overshadow the infrastructure of Greece, a country of 5,000 islands, culture and an ideal climate?” he asked.

Mr. Stelliatos also questioned why the Agios Kosmas Marina does not accept vessels for berthing as of 2004.

The president of the association also said that the drop in early bookings might cause problems to the repayment of loans.

He asked banks for their cooperation and flexibility in interest payment for the next two years, and, secondly, to freeze the payment of capital until the end of the 2010 season.