On Monday, March 31, 2025, a pivotal conference organized by the Hellenic Marinas Association brought together government officials and industry leaders in Athens. The “Spatial Planning of a Tourist Port Network in Greece” event explored substantial advancements in Greece’s maritime tourism sector, focusing on the structured growth of marinas nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Stefanos Gikas, highlighted the significant strides in the marina development strategy. Alongside Gikas, participants included Stavros Katsikadis, President of the Hellenic Marinas Association, Dimitris Ptochos, Governor of the Peloponnese, Efthymios Bakoyiannis, Secretary General of Urban Planning, George Papachristou, head of Port and Marina Planning Authority, and George Vaggelas, Assistant Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
The gathering centered on a recently concluded study by distinguished academics George Vaggelas (NKUA) and Thanos Pallis (University of Piraeus). This comprehensive research assessed the potential for creating a cohesive network of tourist ports in Greece and underscored the benefits of modernizing infrastructure to support sea-based tourism.
A Comprehensive Vision for Marina Development
During the conference, speakers emphasized the critical aspects of the study. Key findings included:
- Mapping of marina capacity: A detailed inventory of available berths and locations for mooring and wintering across Greece.
- Evaluation criteria: Assessment of factors influencing marina placement to ensure strategic location planning.
- Municipality-level analysis: A breakdown of attractiveness and feasibility for marina development across 191 municipalities.
- Integrated framework: Creation of a multi-criteria evaluation system for identifying prime regions for marina development.
- Strategic roadmap: Recommendations for long-term growth policies to enhance the tourist port sector’s contribution to the economy.
Central Corfu and the Diapontian Islands were ranked in the research as the most promising sites for future initiatives. Renowned for their calm waters and beautiful scenery, the Ionian Islands proved to be a perfect area for marina growth.
Acknowledging Greece’s Potential
In his remarks, Stefanos Gikas praised the ambitious initiative, noting, “This is a vital step forward in advancing Greece’s sea tourism industry. We can now discuss issues at the core of marine innovation and regional development.” He emphasized the necessity of a scientific basis to support long-term planning, adding, “You cannot plan beyond the immediate future without scientifically verified data.”
The Deputy Minister also praised the special benefits of the Ionian Islands—including good weather, rich cultural legacy, and natural beauty—which together make the area more appealing for marine visitors. Citing the importance of these changes, he underlined that while strengthening Greece’s economy the expansion of marinas in the area might reduce rivalry from neighboring countries including Albania, Croatia, and Montenegro.
Addressing challenges, he referred to procedural hurdles: “Although marinas within port zones fall under our jurisdiction, changes are needed to expedite zoning approvals.” Assuring readiness, he underscored, “The expertise, infrastructure, and determination exist. Faster licensing and streamlined processes will be pivotal to delivering results.”
Gikas ended his address by considering Greece’s underdeveloped marina capacity in relation to its possibilities. Drawing parallels to Sweden’s 2,000 functioning marinas, he underlined Greece’s potential to improve its current infrastructure. “We have the vision and resources; now, the challenge is accelerating these efforts to ensure we realize this dream,” he remarked.
The session ended with hope for Greece’s changing Tourist Port Network. Leaders voiced optimism that Greece might improve its leadership in the Southeastern Mediterranean for sea-based tourism by means of strategic planning and improved infrastructure.