Greece’s Tourism Agenda has Marina Network Development Among Key Priorities

Photo source: Municipality of Pylos Nestor

The development of Greece’s marina network is a key component of the state’s overall strategy to enhance the country’s tourism industry, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said on Tuesday.

Representing the government at the signing of the latest marina concession agreement, Kefalogianni highlighted that since the 1960s, when the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) began focusing on sea tourism by establishing the country’s first marinas, there has been a continuous effort to expand and modernize Greece’s marina network. Today, the Greek Tourism Ministry oversees this sector, underscoring the ongoing importance of maritime infrastructure in Greece’s broader tourism development strategy.

Minister applauds signing of concession agreement to develop Pylos Marina

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni (center) with representatives of the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) and Marina Pylos SA.

The latest concession agreement pertains to the development of the marina in Pylos, located in the southern Peloponnese. The agreement, valid for 40 years and involving a fee of at least 1.5 million euros, was signed between the Greek State, the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF), and the concessionaire, Marina Pylos SA. Under this agreement, Marina Pylos SA will be responsible for developing the marina, which will feature 130 berths for boats ranging from 8 to 30 meters in length, along with various on-land facilities.

Kefalogianni welcomed the signing of this concession agreement, noting that it aligns with Greece’s strategic plan for the quality and sustainable development of its tourism sector, which is based on three pillars: natural environment, economy, and society.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

According to Kefalogianni, the Tourism Ministry aims to position Greece as a leading destination for sea tourism while also boosting the local economies of coastal areas.

“The primary goal of the ministry is to stimulate the economy of coastal regions, as marinas necessitate significant investment in hospitality, retail trade, and services. This will help Greece emerge as a central hub for sailing and yachting in the Mediterranean and establish itself as a key player in the global marine tourism market,” she said.

Marina Pylos SA, a special-purpose company, is owned 70 percent by D Marinas Hellas Single Member S.A. and 30 percent by TEMES SA The company plans to invest 10 million euros in the marina over the coming years.