Greece’s negative image abroad as a holiday destination has had an impact on most sectors of the tourism economy, with representatives saying that compared to last year, yacht rentals are down by 35 percent, conferences and corporate events have declined by 50 per cent and car hires are 15 per cent down this season compared to last.
Cruise reservations are also expected to take a hit, according to Andreas Stylianopoulos, a board member of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE) and vice president of the Passenger Shipping Association (SEEN).
Stylianopoulos attended the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention that took place in Miami, Florida, earlier this month, from which, he told Kathimerini, it was clear that Greece can expect a small decline in the number of cruise arrivals this year. He added that tourists’ interest continues to be centred on Athens although there is a significant amount of concern regarding the Greek capital’s negative reputation.
Crewless yacht rentals have seen a decline of 35 percent so far this year, according to the head of the Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association (EPEST), Antonis Stelliatos.
“One of Greece’s biggest yachting companies attended this year’s travel and tourism trade show in Dusseldorf. While in previous years the company would make from 80 to 100 rental deals at the show, this year it made only seven,” Stelliatos said indicatively.
As far as the category of motor yachts with a crew of 12 is concerned, Stelliatos says that the big question is how many of these will be laid up this year, adding that of the 800 vessels for hire on the market, less than 50 have so far made deals, and these for very few days. According to Stelliatos, the reason for the low interest is Greece’s negative image abroad.
Source: Kathimerini
