Greek Tourism Minister Addresses Ferry Ticket Prices and Extending the Season

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said on Thursday that authorities are conducting extensive inspections to ensure compliance with ferry ticket pricing regulations.

Speaking on the Greek public broadcaster ERT, Kefalogianni reinforced the statements made recently by Greek Maritime Minister Christos Stylianides, who noted that potential profiteering in ferry ticket prices is being closely monitored, with violators facing severe penalties.

Kefalogianni mentioned that while there has been a slight reduction in some ferry ticket prices this summer, the cost of high-speed ferry tickets is marginally higher than last year. “Overall, ferry ticket prices have remained stable,” she said.

Tourism for All subsidy program

Kefalogianni added that the government is considering allowing vouchers from the “Tourism for All” subsidy program, aimed at domestic holidays, to be used for ferry ticket purchases to tourism destinations.

The minister highlighted the success of the “Tourism for All” program this year, noting that most beneficiaries are choosing to visit the South Aegean Region, with Naxos being a particularly popular destination. She indicated that the Ministry of Tourism is closely monitoring the program’s performance and may make adjustments based on the data collected.

Kefalogianni also emphasized that the Greek government has significantly increased its budget this year to support island ferry connections, ensuring that “no island is left without service,” although she acknowledged that this remains a complex issue to address.

Extending the Tourism Season: A Challenge

The minister also addressed the government’s efforts to extend the tourism season in Greece and to diversify the country’s image beyond that of a purely island-based, summer destination.

“Greece’s reputation as a sun-and-sea destination creates significant pressure, especially during the high season when most visitors flock to our most popular locations,” she said.

Kefalogianni concluded by stating that extending the tourist season is a major challenge for the Greek tourism industry. She emphasized the importance of promoting Greece as a year-round destination, particularly highlighting the natural beauty, monuments, archaeological sites, and museums in the country’s mountainous areas. “Our goal is to further develop cultural and pilgrimage tourism,” she added, outlining her agenda.