Page 71 - iGREECE_CRUISING DECEMBER 2023

Greece is an important cruise hub in the around operations
Mediterranean with great potential for fur-
ther growth. It is crucial we join forces here the cruise
industry, ports and the next Government
Having developed its homeporting capabil- to ensure our guests from across the world
ities, the challenge now is for ports, cruise can visit Greek destinations unimpeded and
operators, and authorities to create the our crew can secure visas to serve them.
right infrastructure and operating environ-
ment for the long-term. All cruise brands here today stand ready to
To allow smooth operation we need to in- invest and I would also like to encourage
vest in infrastructure. the port privatisation process and com-
mend the outstanding efforts of the Hellen-
This means ensuring that the specific needs ic Republic Asset Development Fund
of cruise operations are considered as part
of the port infrastructure development, We also encourage the next Greek Gov-
particularly in the context of the port priva- ernment to consider a legal framework to
tisation process taking place now in Greece. allow berth reservations for all maritime
activities including cruise and ferry to en-
It also means delivering smooth and effi- sure better and safer operations in light of
cient border control facilities for cruise IMO and EU regulations.
passengers and crew.
We as an industry are always ready to en-
To maintain the attractiveness of Greece as gage over crucial issues to find solutions as
a cruise hub, we need to work together to we have over the misperception of over-
ensure that ports have enough resources crowding.
available to process passengers.
A practical example of this dialogue in ac-
Not only today, but when the new Europe- tion can be seen at the Acropolis in Athens.
an border control rules of Entry-Exit Sys- Tour operators and cruise lines are work-
tem will be implemented and impact turn- ing together to coordinate visit schedules

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