V. Kikilias: ‘Cruise in Thessaloniki increases by 250%’

The dynamic course of the cruise was mentioned by the Minister of Tourism, Vassilis Kikilias, in an interview he gave to the TV station SKAI and the show “Unmatched”, with Giannis Ntsounos and Christos Koutras.

According to the Minister of Tourism, only in Rhodes – a twelve-month destination for the cruise – the number of cruise ships will approach 450 arrivals, Mykonos has reached a historical record, in the port of Kavala the arrivals exceed -so far- 36 from just three which was last year, while in the port of Piraeus – where arrivals started in March, earlier than any other year – there is an increase of 130%.

Particularly impressive are the data – as Mr. Kikilias pointed out – especially for the port of Thessaloniki, with almost four times more arrivals, compared to last year. “The data published by OLTH the day before yesterday are revised upwards. From 180% which was the increase in cruise ship arrivals a few weeks ago, now we are talking about an increase of 250%”, he noted, adding: “Greece is The 5th tourist brand in the world, and this has not happened by chance, we have traveled all over the world and made deals with the biggest touroperators, the biggest travel companies, the cruise companies, why? “The economy of our country. The money from our tourist product comes directly and ends up directly in the middle Greek business, in the middle Greek family”.

The Minister of Tourism also referred to the targeted initiatives of all previous months, in order to “illuminate” as many destinations as possible in our country, but also to the opening to new foreign markets that has already begun to bear fruit.

“Since the beginning of the year, we have chosen to invest in alternative – less popular destinations – across the country. And we see our strategy pay off. For example, we see big airlines – from France and Germany – adding new flights. for Skiathos, thus facilitating the French and German travelers who want to visit Skopelos and Alonissos.In Thassos, we also see that most tourist brochures are in Romanian.This is not accidental either. Why? Why Greece is in the first position of the preferences of Romanian travelers who choose road tourism, who then pass from Kavala to Thassos “, noted Mr. Kikilias, underlining:” We will make a fund – as I usually say – at the end of 2022. However, in a year with huge problems and multiple crises – pandemic, a war raging in the heart of Europe, energy crisis, inflation and accuracy, Greek tourism proves that it is the spearhead of the Greek economy “.

Finally, the Minister of Tourism referred to the program “Tourism for All”, which from July 1 will enable thousands of financially weak families to spend their holidays in travel destinations across the country. “Last year, 20 million euros were absorbed for the program. This year, with the decision of the Prime Minister, the fund is increased by 10 million euros. Easily, quickly and without bureaucracy, 200,000 beneficiaries – who are in need – will be able to spend their holidays, making use of “The intangible digital card that they can use everywhere: on ferry tickets, at the hotel, in the tavern. Because, for us, first of all, the Greek citizen is there,” he said.