“Greece moved faster than other countries, creating a safe operating environment for cruises,” Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Giannis Plakiotakis said, during his address at a Celestial Cruises event on the occasion of the launch of its cruise line.
He also announced that in the context of the overall upgrade of the port of Lavrio, the creation of seven new floating piers, which can accommodate more than 200 pleasure boats, will be approved very soon. At a time when works are being carried out on the coastal front of Attica, the new piers will provide a solution to the problem of hosting yachts, at the same time upgrading the port of Lavrio, the Minister stressed.
Regarding cruises, Mr. Plakiotakis said that the health protocols were revised, based on the experience of 2020 and the evolution of the health data, after cooperation with the competent Ministries, the expert scientists, but also the cruise institutions.
Our ports, he continued, have special operational plans prepared for dealing with Covid cases, while their categorization into starting ports, ports of intermediate call and ports of refuge has been completed, for those ships that might face a problem. The inhabitants of our islands are being vaccinated at a very fast pace, thanks to the “Blue Freedom” program, which creates a shield of protection not only for the islanders themselves, but also for cruise visitors. At the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, we have designed and implemented in a timely manner a safe framework for the protection of passengers and crews and we are ready to welcome the approximately 40 cruise ships that will operate in the Greek seas this summer. Cruises are overcoming the pandemic and restarting, from Lavrio, with many and important benefits for tourism, economy, and local communities, the Minister concluded.
Latest News
French Fund Meridiam Shows Growing Interest in Great Sea Interconnector
According to OT, the fund engaged in recent discussions regarding the Great Sea Interconnector with Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy and the CEO of Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO/ADMIE)
Everything to Know about Store Hours this Holiday Season
Stores and supermarkets across the country are operating extended hours, offering ample opportunities for holiday shopping
Greece Prepares for State Budget Vote as Debate Reaches Final Stages
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to deliver his remarks late in the evening, shortly before the decisive vote that will conclude the session
DM Dendias: We talk With Turkey But We Always Bring Up Their Unacceptable Positions
Second and last day of closely watched conference, entitled 'Metapolitefsi 1974-2024: 50 Years of Greek Foreign Policy', also included appearances by PM Mitsotakis, Ex-PM Tsipras and PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, among others
Rhodes Airport Tops Fraport Greece’s Regional Airports in 2024 Performance
According to Fraport's data, more than 35 million passengers (specifically 35.2 million) were handled by Fraport-managed airports during the 11 months.
European Central Bank Cuts Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points
It is the fourth cut of interest rates by Europe’s central bank, a move expected by the markets and financial analysts leading to the rate settling at 3%.
Airbnb: New Measures Add €600 in Extra Costs for Property Owners
Property managers face an immediate administrative fine of 5,000 euros if access to the inspected property is denied or any of the specified requirements are not met.
Economist: Greece Included in the Best Performing Economies in 2024
Meanwhile, Northern European countries disappoint, with sluggish performances from the United Kingdom and Germany.
EasyJet Expands Its Routes from Athens
The airline’s two new routes will be to London Luton and Alicante and they will commence in summer 2025.
Capital Link Forum Highlights Greece’s Economic Resurgence; Honors BoG Gov Stournaras
Capital Link Hellenic Leadership Award recipient, Bank of Greece Gov. Yannis Stournaras, an ex-FinMin, was lauded for his pivotal role during Greece’s economic recovery