Greece To Launch Tenders For Marinas To Boost Yacht/Sea Tourism

TAIPED Chairman Stelios Stavridis, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, TAIPED Chief Executive Yiannis Emiris and Tourism Infrastructure and Investment Secretary General Ioannis Pirgiotis.

Greece’s privatization agency TAIPED will launch six international tenders for Greek marinas by June to boost yacht tourism, it was announced today, 28 March, at a joint press conference of the agency and the Greek Tourism Ministry.

According to TAIPED’s chief executive Yiannis Emiris, the first tender will include the marinas of Alimos, Hydra, Poros and Nea Epidaurus. The tender is said to launch tomorrow, Friday, 29 March.

The other five tenders are expected to be launched by June and will include the marinas of Pilos, Chios and Aretsous. A section of the port of Lavrio is included in the second batch of marinas and is planned to accommodate megayachts. Also, a section of the port of Argostoli is planned to be upgraded to a luxury marina.

Mr. Emiris said that already a great interest for the marinas has been expressed both from Greece and abroad but he did not give specifics.

Tenders for the first cluster of marinas (Alimos cluster) in the Argosaronic Gulf will launch tomorrow, 29 March.

Tourism Ministry plans to cut red tape, reduce fees

On her part, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said the tourism ministry plans to facilitate licensing procedures for investors.

In regards to fees and charges for berthing at marinas, Mrs. Kefalogianni said the ministry would alleviate  administrative and tax burdens, so the Greek tourism product would be competitive in comparison with other neighboring countries.

“We want the tourism product to be free from taxes… In collaboration with the Ministries of Economy and Finance, we are working to create a business friendly environment favorable to investment,” she said.