Greek Shipping Minister Sees Potential for Yachting at MEDYS 2018

The 5th MEDYS 2018 opened its doors on April 28, and will run until May 1st in Nafplion. Photo Source: @Greek Yachting Association

Greece can evolve into a leading tourist destination, with a wide variety of offerings in a safe environment, said Shipping Minister Panagiotis Kouroublis speaking at the 5th Mediterranean Yacht Show (MEDYS) 2018, which opened in the coastal town of Nafplio in the eastern Peloponnese, on Monday, May 28.

Shipping MInister Panagiotis Kouroublis cut the ribbon of the 5th MEDYS 2018. Photo: Ministry of Shipping (Katerina Nomikou Maritime Photography)

Organized by the Greek Yachting Association (GYA), the four-day MEDYS runs through to May 1 and focuses on the development of yachting tourism and the challenges ahead while featuring an impressive lineup of luxury yachts as well as insight into the latest trends and services.

Kouroublis referred to new regulations, which foresee that third-country-flagged vessels abide by law covering Greek sailing.

“We want large tourist vessels to come to Greece as long as there is fair competition,” Kouroublis said, referring to the removal of a 12-person restriction on yachts.

The minister went on to refer to the significance of Nafplio as a tourist destination, plans for the expansion of the port and the marina there, while noting the historic town’s potential as a cruise hub.

MEDYS 2018

According to GYA, more than 400 business visitors from all over the world are expected to attend the yacht show, with the upscale vessels acting as a major attraction for visitors in Nafplio.

“With more than 107 manned professional leisure boats registered, this year’s show exceeds every record and is now the largest internationally based on the number of entries, passing the exhibitions in Antigua and Barcelona, ​​covering the markets of the Western Hemisphere and the Western Mediterranean respectively,” GYA said in an announcement.

The yacht show is also hosting 24 Greek exhibitors that are promoting their services and products.

Countries represented in the 5th MEDYS event include Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Argentina, British Virgin Islands, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Israel, Canada, Cyprus, Montenegro, Monaco, New Zealand, Anguilla, Poland, Russia, Croatia and Turkey.

Moreover, among the top international companies attending the show are Camper & Nicholsons, Edmiston, Fraser, Yachting Partners International, Burgess, CharterWorld, CSO Yachts, IYC, Northrop & Johnson, Yachtzoo, Luxury Charter Group, West Nautical etc.

Representatives from the Worldwide Yachting Association (MYBA) are also attending the event.