Greek main opposition New Democracy Tourism Sector head Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas made the following statement following thew publication of data recording a 30% reduction in the cruise sector for 2017:
“The SYRIZA – ANEL government believes that tourism can continue to operate on autopilot mode. They witness passively the decline in tourism revenue along with the downward trend in the cruise industry. The first data for 2017 show that cruise ship arrivals in Greece will be reduced by 30% compared with 2016, which means 1,000.000 fewer visitors and therefore less revenue. The latest terrorist attacks in Turkey, can create an even more unfavorable situation, since cruise companies will seek alternative destinations in the West Mediterranean. Toward all this, there is no design and no response plan by the government. Since October 26, I have tabled a question to five ministers in Parliament proposing direct measures to support the cruise sector. It has become evident though that the inaction and indifference adopted by the Government is not a response against the problem of sinking cruise ship arrivals. In order for a response to be credible and effective, it must be accompanied by concrete measures and policies to strengthen the sector, such as:
- Improvement of port infrastructure as well as strengthening the competitiveness of services provided by our ports to cruise ships, for which a separate body must be entirely responsible.
- Activation of interministerial body, which will adopt and implement decisions and policies to enhance the sector in cooperation with the National Coordinating Cruises Committee
- Increase in opening hours of archaeological sites on islands that are cruise destinations”
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
