Greece sets sights on global yachting leadership

May 5, 2026
Written by E.Tsiliopoulos

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Greece sets sights on global yachting leadership

Greece is stepping up efforts to strengthen its position in maritime tourism, with a particular focus on yachting, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said as she opened the 11th Mediterranean Yacht Show in Nafplio on Saturday, May 2.

“Our goal is to further establish Greece as a premier yachting destination, synonymous with quality, safety and world-class services,” the minister noted.

In her address, Kefalogianni empasized that yachting represents a high value-added segment of tourism, delivering tangible economic benefits to local communities—especially in island and coastal regions.

She added that the development of maritime tourism aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy to promote a more sustainable and higher-quality tourism model. This approach aims to extend tourism activity across more regions and throughout a longer season, creating fresh growth opportunities at the local level.

Outlining the ministry’s priorities, Kefalogianni emphasized the enrichment of Greece’s tourism offering through modern infrastructure, enhanced competitiveness and a strong commitment to sustainability. Central to this effort is the expansion of the country’s network of tourist ports, alongside upgrades to infrastructure and service quality.

Upgrading Tourist Ports

The minister also highlighted legislative initiatives designed to facilitate new projects and additional services in tourist ports, improving safety, functionality and accessibility.

These reforms are supported by a broad investment program funded through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, targeting the modernization of port infrastructure nationwide. A total of 26 investment projects have already been approved and are currently underway, significantly enhancing both facilities and service standards.

Kefalogianni also referred to the establishment in 2023 of the Observatory for Coastal and Maritime Tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean, created in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization. The initiative serves as a monitoring system for the environmental and social impact of coastal and maritime tourism, providing critical data and expertise to support long-term strategic planning.

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