Key Tourism Figures 2019: Antonis Stelliatos, President, Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association

It is our strong belief that no other destinations can offer as much as Greece

Greece has all the abilities to become a center for the worldwide yachting industry. With over 5,000 islands and 16,000 km of coastline, a unique history and culture, Greece – also blessed with nearly year round sunshine – is the perfect destination for yachting.

With this unique landscape and heritage, we – the Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association – have been striving to bring Greek yachting to the forefront.

It is our strong belief that no other destinations can offer as much as Greece. With the warm hospitality of the local Greeks, a rich history spanning thousands of years, chic nightlife and secluded bays, Greece is a truly one-of-a-kind destination with something for everyone.

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Antonis Stelliatos, President Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association (EPEST)

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…We have attempted to reduce the number of illegal yacht charters and to protect Greek-flagged vessels, and this way create a fair playing field for all…

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Over the last few years, yachting in Greece has increased intensely, especially in 2018, when we recorded a very large number of vessels for charter. We are looking to continue this growth by encouraging the creation of marinas throughout the country to attract more vessels to the country.

However, along with this growth, problems have arisen. One of the biggest problems faced by the Greek yachting sector is the illegal charters performed by foreign-flagged vessels. These charters are performed in a way that avoid paying taxes and avoid complying to the regulations of the Greek waters.

With the help of the Hellenic Coast Guard and the Shipping Ministry, we have attempted to reduce the number of illegal yacht charters and to protect Greek-flagged vessels, and this way create a fair playing field for all.

It should be clearly noted that we are not against foreign vessels operating in Greek waters.

On the contrary, we want foreign vessels to operate in Greece, but they must have the same responsibilities as Greek-flagged vessels, which means adapting to the regulations in place and paying taxes.