HELLENIC REPUBLIC
MINISTRY TOURISM
Press Office
26.02.2021
PRESS RELEASE
The opening of the cruise industry was discussed in a teleconference between the Minister of Tourism Mr. Harry Theocharis and industry representatives
The prospects of cruising in Greece, especially during the opening of the sector as soon as the epidemiological data allow it, were the focus of the teleconference held by the Minister of Tourism Mr. Charis Theocharis with representatives of companies and members of the International Cruise Association (CLIA).
Mr. Theocharis pointed out that “last year Greece was a pioneer in the global relaunch of cruising. We continue, even more dynamically, in the same direction, planning this year’s opening. Cruise, as one of the main forms of tourism for our country, is very important for the Greek economy. Therefore, it is necessary to maximize cooperation and effort in order to open the cruise safely as soon as possible.”
The Minister of Tourism placed particular emphasis on the promotion of Greek products, which should be offered to cruise tourists with the care of the shipowners. Mr. Theocharis urged the representatives of the companies to increase the supply of products from Greek producers to their ships. As the Minister stressed, “in this way the ‘Greek Experience’ offered to each cruise ship will be increased”.
During the teleconference the issue of extending the season until the end of the year was discussed. The representatives of the cruise companies pledged to offer maximum support to Greek Tourism, not only this year but also in the years to come. They were also satisfied with the cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism so far.
For his part, Mr. Harris Theocharis assured that he will stand by the entrepreneurs of the cruise industry and not only, in every step of the effort that is being made to restart Greek tourism. The Minister expressed his wish for the continuation of the good cooperation between the competent state bodies and the private sector, at the same level and in the same spirit as last year’s tourist season.
CLIA’s Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Ms Maria Deligianni said that “the cruise industry has worked diligently to introduce improved protocols to protect passengers, crew and the communities they visit. The success of the cruise opening, which took place last year in Greece and elsewhere, was testament to the strength of the improved protocols. Greece is an important cruise destination and we look forward to proceeding with its safe reopening, always in cooperation with the relevant authorities.”
Indicative of the importance given by the industry to the teleconference with the Minister of Tourism is the fact that representatives from many major companies of the global cruise industry, namely Carnival Group, Celebrity Cruises/Royal Caribbean, Celestyal Cruises, Costa Cruises, were present, Marella Cruises, MSC Cruises, Mystic Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Ponant, Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises, TUI Cruises.
At the end of the meeting all parties agreed that the relaunch of cruise shipping can only be a collective effort. And this is precisely why coordination between the government, the cruise companies and the ports is needed.
