Greek Gov’t Seeking Ways to Lower Ferry Ticket Prices

Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

The Greek government met with coastal shipping companies this week to discuss ways to reduce ferry ticket prices after market reactions.

According to media reports, the government is considering slashing tickets by as much as 20 percent in certain categories.

In the last 16 months, ferry tickets to the Greek islands increased three times by as much as 40 percent with operators attributing the hikes to soaring fuel costs.

However, opposition parties are noting that though the cost of fuel has dropped by 40 percent since last year, ferry tickets have remained unchanged.

The government has requested immediate reductions by at least 20 percent from ferry companies as part of the “national effort to support the average Greek family”.

Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

The Minister of State Akis Skertsos confirmed that companies would be proceeding with reductions of up to 20 percent.

A number of companies including Attica Group and Minoan Lines are considering offering discounts to travelers eligible for the Tourism For All subsidy program, through package deals and family offers.

Other proposals tabled during the meeting include taxation of excess profits or implementing a ceiling on the profit margin.

Coastal shipping companies are expected to come back with their ferry ticket price proposals later this week.

A study released recently by Vivanoda, a transportation matching website, revealed that the cost of traveling by ferry boat in Greece is among the highest in Europe.