Nikitiades. Greece is the very ideal of the. Unity is the key for

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2 Unity is the key for Nikitiades Greece is the very ideal of the cruise destination. It is armed with the expected virtues of sun, sea and sand. But it also boasts an ancient maritime tradition, a rich history that is almost a production line for shore excursions. Yet as anyone involved in cruise tourism in Greece would aver, this magical location has consistently punched below its weight in exploiting its natural and man-made assets. Though it might be the Mediterranean s leading cruise destination, with almost five million passengers in 2009, it lags in other areas critical to economic development, from cruise industry expenditures to employment. For the government of George Papandreou, that is a challenge just waiting to be confronted. According to George Nikitiades, Greece s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, the process of transforming Greece into the cruise market par excellence is now underway, with pending liberalisation of the highly restrictive cabotage law a critical first step. With that change alone, he says, we expect the number of passengers who start from or complete their cruise at a Greek port to grow dramatically. The increase will not only benefit the ports and port cities, but also businesses and professionals active in those areas, since they will all generate new business. Indeed, we expect this activity to boost the entire Greek economy. We know from past research that cruise passenger expenditure in local economies is significant. Moves are also afoot to draw in private investment. Nikitiades says a new legal framework stripping away red tape and allowing investment to go through without the endless delays endemic to such processes in Greece, will ease the path to development. He adds that interest in investing in the Greek cruise tourism sector, and the wider tourism field, is high, happily for the cash-strapped Greek government, since the only chance we ve got if we want to boost growth is to bring in investment. 2

3 Nikitiades adds that: Greece is a mature country, a country that is ready to welcome investment and ensure that these investments are not at risk. This means that entrepreneurs will take only the risk that stems from any entrepreneurial activity, but nothing more. I reckon that there is exceptional interest in the area of cruise infrastructure. At the cruise tourism conference in Cannes and in the contacts I had with representatives of major cruise companies, I detected a strong business interest not only for more Greek ports to be included in their routes but also vis-à-vis investments in port infrastructure. We had the same impression during a teleconference organised at the US Embassy, with the participation of Minister of State Haris Pampoukis, Minister for Marine Affairs and Islands Yannis Diamantidis, myself as Deputy Minister for Culture and Tourism and key representatives of the cruise tourism field in the United States. Considerable more work, both physical and in terms of planning, will be needed before that golden promise bears fruits. He adds that: Of course, we must go ahead and upgrade port infrastructure, as well as the provision of catering and tourism services, to serve visitors better. This development of the country s cruise tourism infrastructure is part of a wide-ranging government tourism policy that includes a comprehensive plan regarding the benefits that are offered by port cities in crafting interesting visits, tours and activities. In the first place, he says, sites of archaeological interest will have to remain open by law so that cruise ship passengers are able to visit conveniently. We are also looking at trying to help cruise tourism grow during the winter, in cooperation with local businessmen. Greece has big ambitions for its cruise industry, despite the economic travails that have blighted its progress over the last three years. As Nikitiades says: Our plan for the years ahead is to improve our port infrastructure and to promote Greece as a top destination for cruise ships plying the waters of the Mediterranean. It may be a challenge, but Nikitiades believes the country is up to it. I think it is possible if all of us stakeholders manage to unite our forces and work together in this direction. I am quite sure that Greece can become the best destination, 365 days a year, across the entire country. 3

4 Voyages with and epic quality It may be an exaggeration to say that Greece is where civilised life began, but for the Western World, at least, this sun-bathed land on the eastern Mediterranean, birthplace of democracy, is as close to a starting point as you can find. As Lord Acton famously put it: Save for the wild force of nature, nothing moves in this world that is not Greek in its origin. But if Western fascination with Greece owes much to its ancient achievements in philosophy and politics, art and drama, its place in the imagination owes just as much to its pure physical beauty, whether expressed in its wondrous light, the green of olive-clad hillsides, or Homer s wine-dark sea. For the world s cruise industry, Greece has always been a place of pilgrimage. Destinations that combine pretty port towns backed by verdant countryside and flanked by beautiful beaches with vibrant nightlife on hand as well as great archaeological sites have an almost magnetic appeal to passengers and itinerary-planners alike. The country s long seafaring tradition, a source of world-renowned mariners from Odysseus to Onassis and one of the great boasts of this proud land, somehow gives every voyage through its blue waters an epic quality. And yet, as a further boon to a cruise industry seeking out fresh, fascinating ports of call, such is Greece s wealth as a tourist destination that much that would be prized elsewhere remains to be discovered. Greece, it must be said, has not always rewarded the industry s devotion. A long-standing protectionist stance, for instance, might have been designed to bolster the Greek maritime industries but it has also held the country back as a participant in cruising. 4

5 As deputy tourism minister George Nikitiadis noted, Greece may be the Mediterranean s leading cruise destination, with almost five million passengers crossing its berths in 2009, but it languishes close to the bottom of the cruise rankings on a range of other indices, from cruise industry expenditures to cruise employment. As he conceded, it is time for change, and true to its word the government of George Papandreu has made a start on modernising regulations. It is also making efforts to boost cruise travel by upgrading tourist infrastructure, whether by incentivising hotel construction, spurring construction in the ports, or beefing up air links to the country. The restrictions on cabotage are being lifted, while a range of financial and fiscal incentives are also being pushed through that will favour the industry, either directly or indirectly. A new fasttrack investment law that will forcibly reduce project approval times is also on the drawing board, along with a development law to spur construction of ports and airports. The government is also pursuing moves to spur private investment in under-developed ports, possibly in partnership with public entities, and to draw in low-cost airlines and so expand the network of air services to Greece. If the government makes good on its intentions, it will provide a longoverdue helping hand to a local cruise business that has yet to fulfil its potential despite being almost uniquely blessed by nature. Greece has the world s tenth longest coastline, at 9,246 miles in length, and boasts the glory of 1,400 islands, 227 of which inhabited. They include some of the world s most popular island calls, from Crete and Mykonos to Rhodes and Santorini, not to mention the numerous marquee destinations on the mainland. Most notable among these are Athens and Katakolon, the former a turnaround destination par excellence, the latter the main entry-point for Olympia, the splendid birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games with a wonderfully stylish and evocative museum. Heraklion, meanwhile, capital of Crete, has real potential as a year-round hub. But if these primary destinations retain their allure, and remain the bedrock of cruise tourism to the country, there is far more to Greece than these big-name ports. Indeed, as the regulatory climate begins to change, the cruise industry has a golden opportunity to expand its The government of George Papandreu has made a start on modernising regulations. 5

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7 Heraklion has already started to invest in its overall cruise product. activities beyond these well-travelled paths and develop new itineraries based on fascinating new destinations. Winter cruising from a Greek hub, for instance, has real possibilities, and in this context Piraeus is certainly an obvious choice. A cruise embarking and disembarking in Athens, with a two-day stay in the city at the beginning or end of the trip, would translate into a major boost for the city s tourism sector, just as a winter call or a string of them would provide a transformative off-season boost even to the most popular summer venues. And these ports, in turn, are likely to pull out all the stops for such a service. Winter cruising from a Greek hub has real possibilities, and in this context Piraeus is certainly an obvious choice. One such port, Heraklion, has already started to invest in its overall cruise product, as it has two of the most fundamental factors already in place: a quality port and 320 sunny days a year. Larger ships clearly require better equipped ports, particularly given the preference for berthing alongside rather than at offshore anchorage. Similarly, a 3,000-passenger vessel asks stiff questions of a port s landside infrastructure, not least in terms of potential excursions and the transport and guide capacity to handle them. It is impossible to under-estimate the importance of adequate infrastructure in assessing a port s potential value to the cruise lines. Ship-reception infrastructure, passenger embarkation and disembarkation facilities, transfer and transport facilities, and international airlift possibilities can represent a critical base on which to build a successful relationship with the cruise industry. Yet on this score, Greece is increasingly competitive. The professionalism inherent to its major ports is now becoming more prevalent in lesstrafficked harbours as local governments begin to realise the economic benefits of mass tourism. Similarly, as smaller ports have begun to tap into their rich history and vibrant culture, they are beginning to invest in the levels of service and infrastructure required not just to draw visitors into a new experience but to persuade them to come back again and again. 7

8 N 38:15.5 E 21:44.1 PATRAS PORT AUTHORITY S.A. Why Patras? One of the largest, most modern and safest ports in the Mediterranean. Rich history, alternative forms of tourism. Sun, light, sea. The triangle of ancient Greek civilization (Olympia - Delphi - Epidaurus). One of the biggest carnivals. Rhythm, life and fun, a city that never er sleeps... The largest downtown shopping centre in the Ionian. Mediterranean diet, pure traditional products. Award-winning Blue Flag beaches. 8

9 Where a port is unable to handle a sizeable ship, it may well be the perfect destination for a smaller vessel, and perhaps for a luxury cruise ship eager to show its discerning passengers a side of Greek life and culture that the cruise visitor rarely sees. Attacking niche markets and upscale cruising will be a major focus for less prominent ports going forward, though they will have to be creative to draw in increasingly demanding cruise lines. That will also mean economic creativity. Indeed, emerging destinations are already looking to lure in lines for that first critical call through a range of incentives, from fuel discounts to free or low-cost docking. Efficiency, which increasingly includes considerations of itinerary distance and fuel consumption measured against potential income, is also vital as cruise lines assess their options. Most cruise income in the Mediterranean derives from shore excursions, and so a varied palette of potential visits can also determine where and how often a ship will call. Of course, some destinations will always be popular regardless of the possibility for excursions, and here Mykonos is the perfect example. Emerging destinations are already looking to lure in lines for that first critical call through a range of incentives, from fuel discounts to free or low-cost docking. In Greece, new is very much a relative concept but in cruise tourism terms there is an abundance of little visited ports. Take Cephallonia, for instance, thought by many to be real Ithaca of Odysseus and an island famous for its wine and the Venetian style it absorbed over years as a colony of the Italian city-state. The island is now looking to leverage its natural beauty, and its consequent potential as a cruise destination, by building a new berth at Argostoli aimed precisely at cruise ships. Kos is another island with cruising surely in its future. Already a major destination for land-based tourism, this is an island with the legacy of countless invaders in its bones, and its architecture, but that also has a vibrant life after dark consistent with its long acquaintance with summer tourism. Patras is a different kind of place but is also blessed. A lively city with a distinguished history, it has a port equipped for large cruise ships and is just a short ride from two of Greece s blue-riband classical sites, Olympia and Delphi. Igoumenitsa, meanwhile, is a bustling port opening into a landscape that merits further exploration. A drive along the coast or into the mountains will take in traditional villages set in startlingly beautiful countryside thick with historic attractions. The wonderful natural beauty of Epirus is close by, and this is also the western gateway for a journey to Meteora. One of Greece s great glories is the plethora of potential calls it offers in a small area, with as many as 40 ports eager to handle cruise calls. That, in turn, translates into myriad potential itineraries, whether featuring littleknown ports under the rubric of Hidden Greece or a nicely chosen assortment of traditional crowdpleasers and fresh new arrivals. 9

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11 Brief history The modern history of our port begins in 1939, shortly after the city of Igoumenitsa was declared capital of Thesprotia Prefecture. The first regular ferry services were established here in the 1950s, linking Greece s northwest to Corfu and the Paxoi islands. In those days there was little by way of port infrastructure. Only small ships could approach and even they had to remain at anchor while passengers were tendered in, and cargo was moved with barges. In the 1960s, Hellenic Mediterranean Lines inaugurated regular ferry services to Italy and a pier was constructed in what today is the Old Port. From then on, business grew rapidly and Igoumenitsa was soon on its way to becoming one of the largest ro/pax ports in the Mediterranean. By the late 1990s, a three-phase development project was in the process of expanding our infrastructure, and in 2001 our Port Authority was incorporated and restructured to international standards. Today, about 3 million passengers, 650,000 private cars and 250,000 trucks travel through our port each year. Towards a bright future The completion of Phase B of our development project in 2011 greatly increases our port s capabilities, particularly with regard to passenger services, and gives us good reason to be optimistic about the future. Among our highest priorities is to become a major Mediterranean cruise port. Certainly, the bulk of our year-round business will continue to be ferries and cargo, but the design of our New Port allows us to operate different activities smoothly and efficiently. We have allocated the dock closest to the city centre and one of our new terminals to cruise calls, with our ferry and cargo activities well-separated. When it comes to cruising, our philosophy is based on flexibility and a willingness to work with operators to meet their needs with customised products. Why cruising? We believe that the competitive advantages that made us a Category A port and that continue to encourage steady growth in the passenger shipping sector are also applicable to cruising. They are: Strategic position that offers a convenient call option for eastbound and westbound East Mediterranean itineraries with home ports in the Adriatic or further west. Immediate access from the port to a new highway system that opens up an entire range of tourist attractions previously inaccessible to the cruise lines. Adequate infrastructure for vessels of all sizes, modern port facilities and extensive passenger handling experience. Igoumenitsa opens up a whole new Greece! Among the many highlights accessible from Igoumenitsa on full- and half-day tours are the Unesco World Heritage Site of Meteora, the fascinating lakeside city of Ioannina, the rare Byzantine treasures of Arta, Octavian s city of Nicopolis, the charming seaside towns of Syvota, Parga and Preveza, and the amazing eagle snest villages of Zagori. Epirus is a destination full of historic, religious and cultural attractions, breathtaking landscapes and untouched natural beauty, and has some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. 11

12 DESTINATIONS CAPACITY MAP Cruise destinations have been categorized in accordance with their overall sightseeing interest and tourism infrastructure for handling passenger arrivals, not as an indication of port capacity. The symbols represent: small cruise ship, medium cruise ship, large cruise ship. There are many archaeologically significant sites in Greece other than those indicated by the numbered orange squares which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites at the present time. The closet port to each site is named in brackets on the list opposite THESSALONIKI KAVALA 6 19 CORFU IGOUMENITSA 5 VOLOS SKIATHOS SKOPELOS ITHAKA CEPHALLONIA (ARGOSTOLI) PATRAS ITEA CORINTH 12 1 PIRAEUS KATAKOLON NAFPLION 2 HYDRA PYLOS GYTHION KALAMATA MONEMVASSIA KYTHERA CHANIA 12

13 ALEXANDROUPOLIS LEMNOS SAMOTHRAKI LESVOS (MYTILINI) 1. Acropolis, Athens (Piraeus) 2. Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Vassae (Katakolon, Pylos, Kalamata) 3. Archaeological site of Delphi (Itea, Piraeus, Patras) 4. Medieval city of Rhodes (Rhodes Island) 5. Meteora (Volos, Igoumenitsa, Thessaloniki) 6. Mt Athos Penisula (Thessaloniki) 7. Paleo-Christian & Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki 8. Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus (Piraeus, Nafplion, Corinth) 9. Archaeological site of Mystras (Gytheion) 10. Archaeological site of Olympia (Katakolon, Patras) 11. Monastery of Nea Moni (Chios Island) 12. Monastery of Dafni, Athens (Piraeus) 13. Monastery of Osios Loukas (Itea, Piraeus) 14. Pythagoreion and Heraion Archaeological sites (Samos Island) 15. Archaeological site of Aigai (Vergina), (Thessaloniki) 16. Archaeological site of Mycenae (Piraeus, Nafplion, Corinth) 17. Archaeological site of Tiryns (Piraeus, Nafplion, Corinth) 18. Chora, Monastery of St John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse (Patmos) 19. Old Corfu Town (Corfu Island) 11 CHIOS SAMOS 14 SYROS MYKONOS 18 PATMOS PAROS NAXOS AMORGOS KOS SYMI RHODES 4 SANTORINI KASTELLORIZO ISLAND RETHYMNO CRETE HERAKLION AGHIOS NIKOLAOS 13

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16 A truly unique cruise destination with over 40 distinctive port options Greece s unique ancient heritage and its spectacular coastline combine to make it the perfect cruise destination, as there are so many port of call and turnaround destination options for cruise line itinerary planners. These are just a selection of ports of call from the west coast, the South and the North. West coast One of the busiest ports of western Greece and a major player in the ferry trade linking mainland Greece with Italy and Corfu, Igoumenitsa is a bustling town that also has much to recommend it as a cruise call. Most obviously, it is perfectly placed as an entry point to a world of sightseeing attractions, among which are the Monasteries of Meteora, the beautiful town of Parga, the important archaeological site of Dodoni and the fascinating mountain town of Metsovo. The city of Ioannina, with its lake and caves is also within easy reach, and the drives through the surrounding countryside, whether in the mountains or along the coast, are spectacular. Cephallonia is known as The Emerald Isle for its lush vegetation, and is also believed by many classicists to be the real Ithaka, home of Homer s Odysseus. Long noted for its fertile land and the excellent wines that spring from it, Cephallonia also retains some of the Venetian flavour it absorbed as a long-time colony of La 16

17 Serenissima. It was hard-hit by an earthquake in the 1950s but still has some of its old charm and a varied portfolio of attractions. In name at least, Ithaka is the island of Odysseus, though Cephallonia would certainly beg to differ. Either way, it has such distinct charms that it is puzzling that it remains one of the Ionian Sea s best-kept secrets. Here is an island where life is lived very much as it used to be before mass tourism accelerated development in the Greek islands. Pristine sandy beaches, lush forests and sleepy cliff-side villages define Ithaka, along with an impeccably natural welcome from locals still delighted to have strangers in their midst. It may have taken a while for Ithaka to be discovered, but then Odysseus himself had a little trouble making his way back to his birthplace. are Delphi and Olympia. But then this is a city that has been in the big leagues for millennia. It was a major port in the Mycenaean age, and the landing point for Byron as he commenced his love affair with all things Greek, and it remains the country s most important western gateway. Among the other nearby sites of note are the Roman Odeon, the church of Aghios Andreas, dedicated to Patra s patron St. Andrew, and the Achaia Claus Winery. As the largest city in the Peloponnese and the third largest in Greece, it is a major university town with the nightlife to match and an urban centre rich with excursion possibilities nearby. It also has a well-equipped port with berthing capacity for modern cruise ships. Pylos is tranquil now, but it was not always so. This was the kingdom of Homer s Nestor, whose refusal to give up Helen led to Troy s demise, but it was also the site of the naval battle of Navarino, which hastened Greece s liberation from Ottoman rule. Its history is still ever-present, in the shape of the mighty Venetian castle that dominates the town and the neoclassical makeover it had a little over a century ago. But the city also has other attractions, including splendid beaches and a lively main square, while for the cruise ships it is a handy alternative gateway to Olympia. Founded in the Middle Ages, which makes it almost modern by Greek standards, Kalamata is the second city of the Peloponnese and but a short hop from the important Mycenaean towns of Messini and Ithomi. The city is famous for its olives, and the delicious olive oil produced from them, and as the starting point of Greece s uprising against the Ottomans. Its vibrant centre sits in the shadow of a Venetian fortress where festivals and cultural events are held during the summer. The surrounding area features a large, fertile valley against the backdrop of the Taigetos mountain. The South A sophisticated mainland town that is the preferred weekend escape for many Athenians, Nafplion is a charming amalgam of Venetian and Turkish architecture, quiet little alleyways and lively nightlife. Perched 216m above the town is the Venetian Palamidi fortress, Patras might have been made for cruise ships, with its expansive port facilities, lively city centre, and proximity to the five-star sights that 17

18 which combined with the island castle of Bourtzi to protect it in years gone by. More modern attractions include the Archaeological and Folk Art Museums, and Nafplion is also a convenient launch pad for excursions to the great ancient sites of Mycenae, Epidauros, Nemea, Argos and Corinth. Gythion is where Paris supposedly spent his first night with Helen before their escape to Troy, and perhaps for that reason an air of romance has always clung to this, Sparta s main port. These days, though, the cruise ships call for other reasons: for the quaintness of the town with its charming neo-classical buildings and ouzeries famous for their Greek hors d oeuvres and ouzo; and for the door it opens onto some of the country s most intriguing Byzantine and Medieval sites. Among the former is the fascinating town of Mystras while the latter include the citadel of Monemvassia. Kythira is popular cruise destination and it is easy to see why. It has everything, from a rich mythology to a storied past and a relaxed, gentle present. Settled since early Minoan times, it was long associated with the worship of the goddess Aphrodite and its sanctuary was considered by the historian Pausanias to be the oldest and most sacred in Greece. Stunningly attractive, with its capital Chora perched high on a hill overlooking the sea and topped by a huge Venetian fortress, it also features a wealth of Byzantine art and architecture that makes it almost a must-see. A uniquely impressive destination, Chania is a delightful port town built in a semi-circle around a bay and enclosed by a Venetian fortress. The impact is only enhanced by its natural surroundings, with high mountains to one side and clear blue waters to the other. A picturesque fishing town with a lively waterfront, it allows for excursions to the wondrous Samaria Gorge, Kolymbari and the monastery of Gonias, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and to the ancient Minoan capital of Knossos. Rethymno is a scenic port with a charming old town that is full of Venetian atmosphere, but it also has culture to burn, whether in town the Venetian mercantile exchange building, known as the loggia, houses a worthwhile archeological museum or outside. Within easy striking village of the port are numerous attractions, including the monasteries of Arkadi and Preveli, an interesting classical/roman site and traditional mountain villages. From here, visitors can also access the Minoan capital of Knossos and the Cretan capital Heraklion. Home to one of Greece s most picturesque harbours, backed by fine shops and a lively café and restaurant scene, Aghios Nikolaos and nearby Elounda is one of the most developed resort areas in the country. Of course, it has always been in demand. When the Venetians took it over, they built a mighty fortress to protect what they considered a great prize. Though the port is very much the centre of life in Aghios Nikolaos, it also pays to wander afield. The town built on the western recess of Mirabello (meaning beautiful view) is within striking distance of palm forests and fascinating 18

19 archaeological sites, including Knossos, and just 40 miles from the Cretan capital, Heraklion. In Mirabello Bay and just opposite the fishing village of Plaka is the deserted island of Spinalonga, setting for the best seller The Island. Amorgos is the easternmost island in the Cyclades, a place that has been passed almost from hand to hand over the centuries from the Athenian League to Ptolemaic Egypt and then to the Romans, the Byzantine empire, the Duchy of Naxos and the Ottomans. Peppered with ruins that trace this grand progress, and blessed with attractive beaches and narrow alleys, windmills and whitewashed houses that are typically Cycladic, Amorgos is a fascinating call. Naxos is the largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades, a place rich in history and culture and immensely rewarding for the visitor. The old town of Chora is both typical of a fascinating island and exceptional, its history as a divided town Catholics within the castle walls, Ottomans without making for interesting exploration, and there was also a thriving Jewish quarter. The island is littered with vestiges of its varied history, but it is also an island that lives for the present, with excellent restaurants, varied shopping and a vibrant nightlife. The administrative capital of the Cyclades is Syros, an island worth exploring for its intricate coastline studded with coves, headlands and two large bays. It became a bastion of the Catholic faith during the years of Venetian and French protection, and subsequently a Catholic refuge in the days of Ottoman rule. Indeed, the elegant town of Ermoupolis was built by 19th century refugees from Smyrna, Chios and Psara. Today, Syros allure is enhanced by a gaming casino and pleasing drives to Vari and Finikas. The third largest island in the Dodecanese and among the great tourist draws of Greece is Kos, which has enough depth and vitality to warrant a lengthy stay. It has been on the map for a long time Homer mentions it as one of the city states that fought in the Trojan War but it has been occupied by everyone from Venetians and Knights of St. John to Ottoman Turks and Italians. Most left their mark, and the island glories in Hellenistic and Roman ruins, castles and early Christian churches. Among the array of sightseeing attractions in Kos are the ancient healing centre and sanctuary of Asklepion, the Agora and famous plane tree of Hippocrates, and the classical theatre and temples of Kefalos. The list goes on. But Kos also features more modern pleasures, including a vibrant nighttime scene and beautiful beaches, as well as a pair of harbours in Kos and Mastichari. Just a few metres from the Turkish border and 20 miles from Rhodes, the little island of Symi is an all-butundiscovered treasure that is surely destined for greater things. Virtually untouched by tourism, its highlights include one of the most elegant principle towns in the Aegean, a medieval castle built by the knights of St John, and a string of fascinating Byzantine churches, not to mention the numerous attractive beaches dotted around the island. Named after the nymph that wed Poseidon, Symi was also believed to be the birthplace of the Three Graces. Even today, it makes sense. For centuries, travelers have been drawn to Greece not just by its beauty and antiquity, but by a spirituality that remains very much part of the Greek experience. Patmos is one of those places most perfectly in tune with the contemplative life. A small, tranquil island of charming bays and coves that Featuring two natural gulfs Naoussa to the north and Paroikia to the west Paros is a hugely popular resort island, with all the attributes that bring visitors back year after year, from beautiful beaches to great food to a lively nightlife and excellent shopping. Inhabited since prehistoric times, it is also notable today for its charming Cycladic architecture and for a wealth of early Christian buildings, including the remarkable church of the Virgin Katapoliani, founded by the Emperor Constantine and one of the oldest basilicas in Greece. 19

20 rises to 269m above sea level, Patmos boasts the glory of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the historic centre Chora; the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, founded by Saint Christodoulos; and the Cave of the Apocalypse. It is also home to the Patmian School, a noted Greek seminary. Samos, a beautiful and relatively undiscovered eastern Mediterranean island with quaint villages and lovely beaches, is now proving increasingly interesting to tourists for the quality of its food and local products, and the range of attractions it offers. They run from the traditional village of Kokkari to the beautiful Nightingale Valley to the ports of Vathy and Pythagorion, home of the famous mathematician. Also noteworthy is the ancient Heraion. The North In many ways, Skopelos is a typical representative of the Sporades islands, green and lush, with beautiful sandy beaches and breathtaking landscapes. But it also stands out, and not just because it was the location of the hit movie Mama Mia, already the source of a steady stream of pilgrims. Skopelos also features a charmingly traditional main town, with traditional three-storey, slate-roofed houses, flower-filled balconies and the remains of a Venetian castle. Skiathos, meanwhile, has been a popular tourist destination for half a century. The reasons for its allure are many and varied. They begin with the beauty of this small island, which combines verdant hills and valleys with gorgeous beaches and coves. Somehow, it has remained unspoiled and marvels such as the pine-forested beach at Koukounaries, the sand dunes at Mandraki and the pebble beach at Lalaria still impress. With the tourists has also come a lively nightlife and excellent service. Steeped in myth and situated on the ruggedly beautiful shores of Pagasitikos Gulf, Volos has more than enough attractions to warrant a day in its embrace. They include the Meteora monastery complex balanced upon a dramatic rock formation. This is a landscape of gnarled cliffs and dense forests, overshadowed by the bulk of Mt Pelion, which as legend has it was named after King Peleus, father of Achilles, and is home to the centaurs. Volos itself is perhaps more sedate than its mythical past but it is no less alluring, with its fine waterfront restaurants and bars, and excellent shopping. A wonderfully rich destination, courtesy of its long tradition as a cosmopolitan melting pot, Thessaloniki all but drips history. Around every turn in this lively 20

21 bay city there is something to see, from early Christian churches to a Jewish museum to a host of Byzantine treasures. As a cruise turnaround port, it also holds plenty of aces, including an international airport, efficient port service, and a sophisticated cultural life, as well as a culinary tradition that blends perfectly with the city s vibrant nightlife. Kavala taps into one of the great stories of ancient times, that of Alexander the Great. It was once the main port of Philippi, the capital of ancient Macedonia named after Alexander s father, and one of St Paul s landmark stops on his mission to spread the word of Christ. The city rises up its hillside like an amphitheatre, its citadel occupying a rocky promontory that juts out into the sea. Kavala is a lively city, famed for its seafood, and is now investing in upgrading its port in a bid to attract more cruise traffic. Alexandroupolis, meanwhile, is the largest port in Thrace, the ancient warrior kingdom of antiquity that has now become a gateway to a string of fascinating classical and Byzantine sites. From this seaside town near the Greece- Turkey border with its fine sandy beaches and neo-classical architecture, visitors can explore Roman Trajanopoulis with its spa, Byzantine Feres and the Evros Delta as well as Dadia National Park and the silk-producing town of Soufli. Lemnos is elegant, sophisticated and all-but-unknown to mass tourism. What more could a cruise visitor want. As far as ground-breaking modernity goes, it has been ever thus. As Poliochni, now the island s main archeological site Lemnos claims to have had the world s first parliament. In antiquity, it was also viewed as the home of Hephaestus, the god of crafts and ironmongery. As any local would tell you, that explains the island s long tradition in handicrafts. Among the other sites worth seeing are Myrina town and its splendid archaeological museum. Lesvos may be the third largest of the Greek islands and a place the ancients believed the birthplace of Harmony, but it remains strangely little-known even today. That may be changing, however, as tourists begin to key in to its evident charms. They include an elegant main port lined with rows of neo-classical mansions, a busy street life, and a beautiful back-country dotted with quaint hillside villages and rich with tradition and culture. It is also full of attractions for the cruise visitor, including a Byzantine monastery, a traditional ouzo distillery, and a brace of excellent museums. Reputed birthplace of Homer and an island famous of late for the many shipowners who have emerged from it to make their mark, Chios is a place with a special feeling for the sea and a growing appeal for cruise tourism. A fertile, wealthy island with an architectural bounty that ranges from the rural simplicity of traditional villages to stylish manor architecture, Chios is also famed for its mastic trees and the villages, unchanged since Byzantine days, that still produce mastic. 21

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23 The Port of Piraeus: the future is shaping up to be as golden as its past As demand surges for cruises in the eastern Mediterranean, the major Greek port of Piraeus is looking to capture a significant slice of this new business, and to propel itself in the process into the leading ranks of Mediterranean cruise ports. As port chairman and chief executive George Anomeritis notes, Piraeus is already in a position to play a central role in the development of cruise tourism in the region. He cites the port s strategic location and its highly developed infrastructure, which allows it to service nine ships simultaneously, including the largest cruise ship on the water. This positions the port for a leading role in the eastern Mediterranean and the overall capacity for a strong market presence. Indeed, it handled 820 cruise calls last year and approximately two million passengers. Anomeritis argues that Piraeus has the capacity to respond quickly to customer needs, armed as it is with the necessary flexibility to serve all vessel calls when the need arises without unnecessary waiting times and without underused infrastructure. For the future, meanwhile, as the expansion of the port gathers steam, the idea granting terminal operating concessions is coming to be seen as one potential way forward. Above all, Piraeus is acutely aware that standing still is not an option, and that progress will depend on providing stateof-the-art facilities and five-star levels of service for years ahead. That, in turn, means not just investment but an intense focus on improving conditions in the port for cruise lines and passengers alike. Anomeritis notes that the port already comes armed with a E400m investment plan calculated to expand capacity and improve service levels for both the cruise and the coastal shipping sector. In addition, Piraeus Port Authority recently adjusted its tariffs in a bid to incentivise turnaround and out-of-season calls, and is now considering further incentives based on the number of calls. Anomeritis concedes that opting to provide volume incentives is not an easy decision. One of the elements to consider is that, even with the new port tariffs, prices in Piraeus are 40% less than those of other ports around the Mediterranean. The port s investment plan provides some indication of the scale of its ambition. It includes: the construction of a 280m cruise berth with a draught of 11.5m; the conversion of a former exhibition centre into a cruise passenger terminal with a five-star hotel alongside; the 3,900 square meter expansion of the existing Terminal B, due for completion in the second half of this year; and the construction of six new berths of 350m in length. This last comes with a price tag of E230m and, as Anomeritis puts it, will undoubtedly place Piraeus among the largest and most modern cruise ports in the world. We are currently in the process of securing the necessary permits and we believe that we can conclude this by the second half of the year. In addition, a further E120m will go to build an elevated monorail connecting the cruise terminals with the metro stations and the rest of the passenger port. This will give Piraeus an added advantage, since the Acropolis and the Parthenon are just 11km from the port and only 15 minutes away by metro, while the site of the battle of Marathon is only a few kilometres further away. The proximity of these sites is behind the proposal for a new cultural coast, to include the transformation of old warehouses into new museums and the creation of a park near the ancient wall of Piraeus. These projects, Anomeritis said, will represent a new attraction for cruise passengers and other tourists passing through the port. For Piraeus, the port of Athens, the future is shaping up to be as golden as its past. The Port of Piraeus has the necessary flexibility to serve all vessel calls when the need arises. 23

24 Heraklion invests to enhance its turnaround credentials As an entire flotilla of Greek ports takes to the water in search of a future in cruising, a number stand out for their potential as turnaround ports. Among the most promising is Heraklion, capital of Crete and a worthy destination in itself, but also the gateway to an island with a rich history and a distinctive culture. As Ioannis Bras, managing director of Heraklion Port Authority, describes it, Heraklion is now moving to exploit its potential within the constraints imposed by a withering economic crisis. Our master plan requires a lot of money, he states bluntly. Among other things, we need a new cruise terminal. But that will have to wait for financing. Instead, Heraklion is taking a pragmatic approach, looking to garner funding where it can, and to invest it where it can most make a difference. We see cruising as a triangle with three equal sides: the port; the city; and services providers like hoteliers, guides and tour operators. We sat down together to study what small- and medium-sized things we could do to improve the way visitors are treated, to improve services. The result is an array of upgrades and innovations that are set to go into effect over the coming months. Bras believes that cumulatively they could have a significant positive impact on the passenger experience in Heraklion. They include new directional signage between the port and the city everything from a marked yellow line on the street to clearly signed walks featuring notable sights an array of wireless hotspots around the port, and interactive information screens to help passengers find their way around Heraklion. Special discounts are being arranged for cruise passengers in shops, museums and other attractions around the city, and the port is working with tour operators to design new excursions. Bras notes that, in addition to its existing range of shore excursions within easy striking distance, there is first-class caving and sailing in the area, while trips to ceramic workshops and Wine Road excursions, based on visits to local vineyards, are also being crafted. He says these efforts stem from a belief in Heraklion s potential as a cruise turnaround port, and cites its sizeable airport and historic sites, as well as a youthful population and there are three universities in the city that makes it lively year-round. Winter cruising is an excellent possibility because of the quality of the port, and the weather, he says. There are more than 320 sunny days a year. In 2010, Heraklion had eight winter calls. This year, it will be 20, with around 70,000 passengers. Bras adds that the port is in discussions with local unions to cut prices for a range of services, such as water supply, and the removal of garbage and other waste, in a bid further to spur winter traffic. At the same time, the port of is also applying for a share of EU funds assigned to Crete in order to improve its facilities. Bras says the port hopes to secure E20m, of which E11m would go to its cruise facilities, in particular to fund such items as bridge towers for embarking and disembarking, and a fleet of buses to carry passengers from the dock to the cruise terminal. Buoyed by a recent award for best Mediterranean route alongside with Santorini, Kos and Rhodes, Bras argues that Heraklion has the assets to grow fast. And it certainly does not want for confidence. And why should it? As Bras says: If you think about it, the Minoans were the first cruisers in the Mediterranean, which makes Heraklion the first cruise port in the Mediterranean! 24

25 The ideal 365-day cruise turnaround destination Over a number of years, Greece s protectionist stance has worked as an active obstacle to the growth of cruising, and to the development of turnaround ports of a size commensurate with the popularity of the country as a cruise destination. As liberalisation begins to move ahead, and those restraints slip to earth, a number of ports appear well-placed to benefit as homeporting expands. The first and most obvious is Piraeus, gateway to Athens, the nation s capital and one of the most evocative cities of the Mediterranean. Athens is already a major cruise player. In 2009, it handled 877 calls and a total of more than two million passengers, including 1.6m transit passengers and more than 400,000 embarking or disembarking in the city of Pericles. Its attractions as a turnaround port are many, starting with its status as the cradle of Western civilisation and the world-class remains, most notably the Parthenon, that dot the city. But its experience of cruising, and the steady stream of major lines carving out a passage to its berths, also means that it has the knowhow to handle sizeable volumes of passengers and an understanding of the industry s needs that is vital to the role. And of course Athens has the airlift capacity of a major capital. Piraeus stands out as the potential turnaround port par excellence, but there are other locations that can reasonably harbour ambitions of growth. Thessaloniki, for instance, has a number of strengths in this regard. As the second largest city in Greece and the largest in the north of the country, it has good airlift capability and improving road connections. Indeed, this last gives it high hopes of luring in cruise tourists from neighbouring countries which have yet to sign up for mass-market foreign tourism in a significant way. Thessaloniki also has the advantage that its passenger facilities are close to the heart of city, and far from the commercial port. Its cruise terminal may be a little dated, and it has scant experience of the cruise industry, but its location and improving infrastructure should help ease its path into this market. Heraklion, meanwhile, has major advantages of its own, not least a past in which everyone from Saracens to Byzantines, Venetians to Ottomans came to stay and left their mark. The ancient Minoan capital Knossos is the headline attraction here, but there are any number of other historical mustsees. The capital of Crete has been described as a mirror image of Palma in Majorca, with its strong tour operator sector and charter business, and its highly advanced tourism infrastructure, all of which on a large, interesting island well suited to the development of a dense network of shore excursions. Lesser, but still alluring turnaround possibilities also exist on other islands, notably Corfu and Rhodes, which have much in common in terms of their assets, and their potential appeal to cruise lines. Each has a sophisticated tourism infrastructure serviced by a well-developed network of charter air services and tour operators, and a cruise business featuring smaller, often niche, operators. Rhodes may have better airlift, with high volumes and more to come, and a larger cruise presence, but Corfu is pushing aggressively for more turnaround business on the back of significant investment in a new port just outside city, complete with sparkling new terminal. In 2009, Corfu handled 375 cruise calls and 500,400 passengers, and with its new facilities and E40m in projects are currently in the construction phase, including the lengthening of the port s cruise ship pier those numbers are likely to rise. Corfu also has plans for a New Port for the docking of yachts and small cruise ships of m in length, which is designed further to enhance its competitiveness. Rhodes, meanwhile, handled 634 calls for 723,885 passengers in 2009, and has pumped funding into an extension of its pier capacity. As liberalization begins to move ahead these ports will be at the vanguard in terms of offering the cruise lines the overall turnaround destinations they seek. 25

26 , Greece Ideal for developing itineraries with shorter distances between ports, 26

27 Greece has the world s tenth longest coastline, at 9,246 miles in length, and boasts the glory of 1,400 islands, 227 of which are inhabited. The distances, shown in nautical miles between the ports detailed on the table, demonstrate how close many island destinations are to each other., Created by Ashcroft & Associates Limited PO Box London W4 5RD United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) info@ashcroftandassociates.com 27

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