Key Tourism Figures 2018: Theodore Kontes, President EEKFN

Cruise and yachting remain the driving force of the Greek economy

The cruise sector is considered the most important part of sea tourism in general.

Greece in particular, with such an extended coastal line (16,000 km) and polynesian setting, along the beautiful seas with enjoyable beaches, but also the natural beauty, history and culture, gives a considerable additional value and preference to tour operators and the satisfaction of guests.

On the other hand, as Greece is allocated in the most concerned area of the East Med, it is logical for the number of cruise visitors to be affected since cruise programs include also other neighbor destinations facing various geopolitical situations.

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Theodore Kontes, President Association of Cruise Ship Owners and Maritime Agencies (EEKFN)

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Greece gives a considerable additional value and preference to tour operators and the satisfaction of guests.

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There are methods to be applied in order to maximize the cruise passenger traffic in most of the cruise serving places, considering the 42 main cruise ports and additional 30 new destinations visited by either new generation cruisers or smaller in size expedition cruisers and mega yachts.

The most important methods that guarantee the satisfaction of tour operators and customers, is the competitiveness in costs as well as in services, keeping all fully satisfied.

Cruise and yachting are the main sea tourism sectors ideally fitted for Greek destinations and remain the driving force of the Greek economy and efforts should be made to improve infrastructure, reduce bureaucracy, extend the season progressively until full year operation is succeeded.

It is also important to mention that the guests visiting our country through cruise trips and/or yachting, even for a short stay to our beautiful destinations, is also the best free advertisement for Greece. It is considered that about 25 percent of cruise visitors are planning their future holidays in the country together with other partners, relatives and friends, increasing our tourism arrivals in general considerably.