Kountoura Presents Greek Cruise Potential at Seatrade Meet in US

The growth potential of cruise tourism to Greece was the focus of Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura’s presentation at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this week.

Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura (center) with (from left) Navigator Travel’s president and CEO, Andreas Stylianopoulos; Princess Cruises’ vice president, Bruce Krumrine; and the secretary general for tourism policy and development, Yiorgos Tziallas.

Addressing the delegates attending the ”Future of European Cruising’’ segment, Minister Kountoura presented the strategic plan for the development of the Greek cruise sector, referred to its strengths and advantages and spoke of the new cruise destinations that have recently been included.

The minister added that new thematic tourism products and experiences as well as the upgrade of relevant infrastructure makes Greece a highly competitive player on the market.

In the meantime, on the sidelines of the event, Kountoura and Greek Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development, Yiorgos Tziallas, met with cruise sector executives from Carnival Corporation & plc, Princess Cruises, Navigator Travel & Tourist Services Ltd and Silversea Cruises, among others.

Minister Kountoura with Carnival Corporation’s president and CEO, Arnold Donald and vice president for European destinations, Michel Nestour.

The four-day Seatrade Cruise Global conference hosts the world’s largest cruise operators and attracts more than 10,000 people. Greece participated this year with a Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) stand also hosting the Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME).