Celestyal Cruises, the award-winning and recognized as the number one cruise choice in the Greek islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, faithful to its vision for the development of cruise in our country and on the occasion of the second planned approach of the cruise ship Celestyal Crystal to Thessaloniki launched it as a homeport port for its cruises, attracting visitors from Northern Greece, Europe and the emerging Balkan markets.
In the context of the reception of Celestyal Crystal in Thessaloniki and in an extremely optimistic atmosphere, a special event was held on the cruise ship, in the presence of representatives of the Greek government, local government, the Port Authority of Thessaloniki (OLTH) and the Tourism Organization of Thessaloniki (OTH), and others. local actors. Celestyal Cruises announced that it will approach the port of Thessaloniki on a weekly basis, consolidating it as a disembarkation port, with 30 Celestyal Crystal scheduled approaches for this season through October 2 and planning for more than 40 approaches in 2023.
The event was given “the present” either live or through a recorded message, Messrs. Ioannis Plakiotakis, Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Stavros Kalafatis, Deputy Minister of Interior, responsible for Macedonia-Thrace, Sofia Zacharaki, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Angela Gerekou Enfelios, President of Hellenic Tourism Organization & President of the Tourism Organization of Thessaloniki, Alexandros Thanos, Deputy Regional Head of Tourism of the Region of Central Macedonia, Konstantinos Zervas, Mayor of Thessaloniki, Emilia Papachristou, General Secretary of MedCruise, President of the Mediterranean Cruise Ports, Mediterranean. ΟΛΘ Α.Ε., Evangelos Kyriazopoulos, General Secretary of Ports, Port Policy and Maritime Investments, Maria Antoniou, Head of the Office of the Prime Minister in Thessaloniki, Cap. Nikos Vassiliadis, Captain Celestyal Crystal, Capt. George Koubenas, Business President of Celestyal Cruises and President of the Association of Cruise Ship Owners and Shipping Operators (EEKFN), Mr. Vassilis Karachalios Sales Manager for Greece.
The Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Mr. Ioannis Plakiotakis, expressed his optimism for the course of the cruise in our country, estimating that the approaches and the fullness of the ships in 2022 will far exceed the numbers of 2019, while he stated specifically: ” This year, starting from Thessaloniki, visitors will have the opportunity to travel with Celestyal Cruises on a weekly basis to Kusadasi, Rhodes, Heraklion, Crete, Santorini, Milos and the port of Piraeus, which creates the conditions for its integration. “The Greek seas remain a safe and ideal destination with excellent climatic conditions for visitors.”
In the same vein, the statements of the Deputy Minister of Interior, in charge of Macedonia-Thrace, Mr. Stavros Kalafatis: “The numbers lead us to the conclusion that this summer we will set a record of arrivals and revenues in the field of Tourism. by the Port of Thessaloniki Organization, where it confirms the arrival of a total of 62 cruise ships for 2022. Thus, the port of our city emerges as an international port of choice with the possibility of embarking and / or disembarking cruise passengers “.
Cap. George Koubenas, referred to the company’s vision for the development of cruise in our country and the promotion of new destinations and stressed that “αρκετά for several years, the company had decided that Thessaloniki can develop into an important destination and cruise port.
The historicity of the city, the numerous attractions in and around it, as well as the special way of life with the impeccable hospitality and the very good food are a guarantee for the satisfaction of the cruise visitors. Having started the regular approaches and the boarding of passengers from the Port of Thessaloniki since 2021, our belief that the city should be among the main Greek cruise ports has now been established. The financial contribution of cruise passengers in the port of departure is estimated by international statistics at 400 euros per passenger. “Among the benefits that the local community enjoys from the operation of the cruise, we must not forget the recognition that the cruise offers in the destinations it visits, where according to statistical studies, one in three visitors returns for a long vacation.”
Finally, the Executive Chairman of the Board of OLTH SA, Thanos Liagos on the occasion of the launch of homeporting approaches for the season, increased this year, underlined their importance both for the economy and for the international image of the city, Northern Greece and the country. In addition, he stated “At OLTH SA we have always believed in Thessaloniki as an ideal cruise destination and we aim at this strategically and in cooperation with all local, national and international bodies. Our detailed planning, our company’s participation in important international events cruise and our efficient cooperation with large and important companies such as Celestyal Cruises, all lead to the same goal: the promotion of the tourist product of Thessaloniki and the wider region of Northern Greece and our country with added value for the visitor, our partners and society. ”
Source: Capital
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