ICAP PRIF: Greece’s Port and Marina Services Can Boost Tourism Revenues

Port and marina infrastructure and services can contribute to Greece’s tourism revenues, found an ICAP CRIF study released on Thursday.

ICAP CRIF is a market leader in credit risk and business information solutions in Southeastern Europe.

More specifically, according to Stamatina Pantelaiou, director at ICAP CRIF, total revenue from berthing fees generated at 26 marinas and ports across Greece, with a total capacity of approximately 8,500 berths increased by 6 percent year on year over the 2013-2019 period.

The study highlights the added value that modernized port and marina infrastructure can bring to Greece if its port dynamic is put to use in full.

Data from the Environment Ministry shows that Greece is home to 154 registered ports: 59 tourist ports – marinas, 62 recreational boat shelters, 22 tourist boat docks and 11 hotel ports. Of these, only 27 ports/marinas with a total capacity of approximately 8,600 berths are in operation with the largest number of berths located in Attica.

Pantelaiou added that regional marinas outside Attica were mostly impacted by the Covid pandemic suffering losses much greater mainly in the large commercial boat (over 20 meters) segment compared to small boats without crews.

In 2021, however, the sector covered lost ground with ports and marinas marking a 30 percent increase in revenues as a result of strong tourism flows.

Moreover, the study noted that port and marina infrastructure and services are mostly in demand for yachting and cruise ship needs as well as for local boatowners and Greek fleets.