Greek Tourism Minister Addresses Ferry Ticket Prices and Extending the Season
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Loading... - Nora Kingma
- 09 Aug 2024
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Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni announced on Thursday that the government is conducting thorough inspections to ensure that ferry ticket prices are being regulated properly. Speaking on the Greek public broadcaster ERT, Kefalogianni reinforced recent statements by Greek Maritime Minister Christos Stylianides, emphasizing that any attempts at profiteering in ferry ticket pricing are under close scrutiny, with severe penalties in place for violators.
Kefalogianni noted that while there has been a slight decrease in some ferry ticket prices this summer, the cost of high-speed ferry tickets has seen a marginal increase compared to last year. “Overall, ferry ticket prices have remained stable,” she stated.
Tourism for All Subsidy Program
The minister also discussed the possibility of allowing vouchers from the "Tourism for All" subsidy program, which supports domestic holidays, to be used for purchasing ferry tickets to various tourism destinations. Kefalogianni highlighted the success of this program, noting that most beneficiaries this year are choosing to visit the South Aegean Region, with Naxos being a particularly popular destination. She mentioned that the Ministry of Tourism is closely monitoring the program’s effectiveness and may adjust it based on collected data.
Additionally, Kefalogianni emphasized the government's increased budget this year to support island ferry connections, ensuring that "no island is left without service." She acknowledged, however, that maintaining consistent ferry service across all islands remains a complex issue.
Extending the Tourism Season: A Challenge
The minister also addressed the government's efforts to extend Greece's tourism season and diversify the country's image beyond its well-known identity as a summer, island-based 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 acknowledged that extending the tourist season is a significant challenge for the Greek tourism industry. She stressed the importance of promoting Greece as a year-round destination by focusing on the country’s natural beauty, monuments, archaeological sites, and museums, particularly in mountainous regions. “Our goal is to further develop cultural and pilgrimage tourism,” she added, outlining the ministry's broader agenda.
