Athens, May 13, 2024 – The 22nd General Assembly of the Hellenic Marinas Association (HMA) concluded its sessions on Friday, May 10, 2024, in the city of Corfu.
The HMA members from all over the country attended the sessions, demonstrating their interest, capabilities, and the exponentially increasing dynamics of yachting in our country.
The members of HMA were greeted by the Member of Parliament for Corfu, Mr. Stefanos Gikas, the Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Mr. Ioannis Trepekles, and the Mayor of Central Corfu and the Diapontia Islands, Mr. Stefanos Pountinou-Poulimenos.
Review of Work and Sector Progress
During the session, there was a review of the Association’s work, the sector’s progress, and development prospects.
New Members and Infrastructure Development
The President of the Hellenic Marinas Association, Mr. Stavros Katsikadis, welcomed two new members-marinas to HMA, the Miraggio Marina and Chios Marina, and stated:
“We decided for the first time to meet in Corfu, the beautiful Greek island that is a significant tourist destination for both small and large recreational vessels. The increasing demand for berths in Corfu and generally in the Ionian Sea indicates the need for both new infrastructure and the development and upgrading of existing facilities. The new infrastructure will create new job opportunities and bring significant benefits to the local economy. However, the intense competition from Adriatic countries requires vigilance and effective actions to improve the institutional framework and outline a national development strategy by the Greek state in collaboration with local authorities and associations.”
Legislative and Financial Discussions
During the Assembly’s sessions, the urgent need to revise Law 2160/93 for the creation and operation of tourist ports was emphasized to ensure investments in marinas are not deterred. The need to improve the financing terms of the Tourist Ports Upgrade Program, overseen by the Ministry of Tourism, was also discussed.
“We must not miss the rare opportunity for funding Greek marinas. We are in daily communication and cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism to absorb the Recovery Fund’s capital allocated for upgrading Greek tourist ports.”
Study and Future Plans
The President of HMA also mentioned a study to be conducted by a research team under the coordination of Professors Th. Pallis (University of Piraeus) and G. Vaggelas (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) for the HMA, initiated and funded by the Hellenic Marinas Association with the Ministry of Tourism’s agreement and positive response.
Statements from Officials
Stefanos Gikas, MP for Corfu:
After thanking the President of HMA and CEO of LAMDA Marinas, Stavros Katsikadis, for choosing Corfu, stated that Corfu continues to be dynamic in the marine tourism sector with the construction of 5 new marinas, including one for mega yachts. He highlighted that the further development of marine tourism is a central policy choice of the Government and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He also praised the HMA’s initiative to fund a new study for the spatial planning of the marina system in Greece.
Ioannis Trepekles, Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands:
“It is a fact that more and more people from around the world choose the Ionian Sea to enjoy the unique natural beauty of our islands. The strategic position of the Ionian Islands is a significant advantage for us, which we must invest in. Today, two of the best marinas in our country are within the Ionian Islands region: the Gouvia Marina, the first private marina in Greece, and the Lefkada Marina, one of the most modern in the Mediterranean. The added value of a modern marina to a place is self-evident. Based on this reasoning, we are completing the tourist shelter for recreational vessels at Cafe Yali, and we must not forget the creation of the Mega Yacht Marina near Corfu’s port. Additionally, Lefkada has tourist shelters in Vasiliki and Nydri, as well as Meganisi, and there are marinas in Argostoli in Kefalonia and Zakynthos that need to be utilized. In recent years, private initiatives have raised the bar. What must follow are similar actions from the Government and Local Authorities in the field of public infrastructure, so the Ionian Islands continue to be a guarantee for all visitors.”
Stefanos Pountinou-Poulimenos, Mayor of Central Corfu and the Diapontia Islands:
Greeting the HMA General Assembly, highlighted Corfu’s relationship with marine tourism and emphasized the value of establishing and operating marinas to provide high-level services to berthed vessels, their crews, and passengers. “Marine tourism is an important sector of the island’s tourism economy, served by a large marina, Gouvia, one of the largest in our country. Additionally, marine tourism services are complemented by two tourist boat shelters in Benitses and Paleokastritsa, with the first having a direct personal connection as it was constructed by the Municipality of Achilleion during my tenure as Mayor from 2003-2006. It should also be noted that the tourist boat shelter in Spilia, owned by the Corfu Port Authority, is nearing completion in Corfu city, and the construction of a Mega Yachts Marina in the Karnagio area of Corfu is imminent. As the Mayor of Central Corfu and the Diapontia Islands, I welcome the Assembly’s sessions, wish them success, and hope for a pleasant stay on our island.”
Conclusion and Future Prospects
During the annual Ordinary Assembly, the challenges and opportunities presented by yachting in our country were discussed, highlighting the need for immediate legislative resolution of practical zoning issues.
