Boosting Air Connectivity, Waterways Top Greek Gov’t Priorities

Photo source: Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA)

Enhancing air connectivity and getting a waterway network off the ground are top Greek government priorities aimed at upgrading the country’s tourism product and making it more competitive, according to the conclusions of a working group meeting between the tourism and transport ministries this week.

Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki held a teleconference with Yiannis Kefalogiannis, her counterpart at the infrastructure and transport ministry, and Georgios Dritsakos, governor of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, to discuss ways to strengthen air tourism.

The parties also discussed issues tabled by the Panhellenic Pilots Association, including additional customs restrictions and operations at regional airports.

Among others, the ministers will propose lifting restrictions on the mandatory landing of commercial flights at airports with customs offices and introducing competitive landing fees.

Additionally, the tourism ministry pledged to push ahead with the establishment of a country-wide waterway network set to contribute to local development and to the creation of an “island-hopping” product.

“Today we are taking the first step to substantially strengthen air tourism. The two ministries, after consultation with the competent bodies, will take the necessary actions with a plan and political priority, in order to establish our country dynamically on the map of air tourism destinations,” said Zacharaki.