MYBA: Greece’s Yachting Sector Sailing Win(d)ward

Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

Greece’s yachting sector has grown into a driving force of tourism in the last decade, the Worldwide Yachting Association (MYBA) said in a statement released on the occasion of the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum to be held on May 26-27 at the Megaron Mousikis in Athens.

Photo source: Greek Yachting Association (GYA)

Not only has the Greek fleet of luxury sail boats grown in numbers but the quality and level of services have improved significantly. “Greece now appears to be sailing in the right direction,” MYBA said.

According to a London School of Economics study commissioned by MYBA (2007-2011), the total number of people employed in all branches of the sector have increased by more than 10 percent with manned yachts creating an estimated revenue of 4.654.000.000 euros in the five countries — France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands and Spain – where data was available.

“These figures demonstrate how valuable yachting is and that it is therefore worth investing in its future. The time has come for Greece to fully embrace its role in the heart of the Mediterranean, to open its doors to yachts from around the world and to allow a whole new generation to discover Greece’s beautiful waters,” MYBA President Fiona Maureso said.

MYBA adds that for yachting to continue to be competitive, companies must invest in training, education and ensure the highest standards while governments must implement legal frameworks facilitating operations.

Founded in 1984, MYBA is an international professional organisation with members involved in all levels of the industry including brokerage, charter, technical management and construction of large yachts.