Maritime tourism has the ΄wind in its sails΄
tourism
05 Jul 2021
/ 11:34
CORFU. Small sailing boats at 40%-50% of 2019 levels - superyachts at 60%.
Things are looking good for maritime tourism in Corfu, a growing sector with very good prospects for economic growth. Yachting professionals express cautious optimism for this year's tourist season, despite the pandemic and strict travel restrictions. Although the absence of the British market remains a key problem, as it has a direct impact on sailing holiday companies that are fully dependent on it, an increasing interest can be seen from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Eastern Bloc countries.
Central Corfu & Diapontia Islands Deputy Mayor for Tourism Panos Varouchas told Enimerosi that small sailing boat traffic is at 40%-50% of 2019 levels and superyachts at 60%.
This year started well considering that the season started on June 1, compared to last year when it started on July 15!
"There is an upward trend for July and this year's season is definitely going better than last year," said Mr. Varouchas. " At the moment, August is fully booked."
According to data from Marina Gouvia, the only authorised tourist port in Corfu (the operation of Marina Benitses is imminent), from the end of May until today, 200 boats have come for vacation from abroad, - a better-than-expected number.
"Given the circumstances, we are pleased and highly optimistic and it is definitely better than last year," said Marina Gouvia manager Costas Karambatsos. "At the moment, the majority of visitors with boats are from Italy, although it is not usual for them to travel at this time of year. There have also been visitors from Germany, France and the Netherlands."
Mr. Karambatsos said that at the moment there are 1,216 boats at berth at the marina, 60% of which are private ones and 40% professional. "The marina has 96% occupancy at the moment and is overcrowded, but it is mainly used as a boat parking lot" he added.
From 1,000 - 200,000 Euros
The rental cost varies depending on the type, while there are options for
all budgets; from affordable to more expensive. For example, the cost for renting a small boat for a week starts from €1,000 and can reach up to € 200,000 if it is for yachts and mega yachts.
On hold
At the same time, big sailing holiday companies that are totally dependent on the British market are on hold, as their boats are staying put and waiting for Boris Johnson to give the green light to travel abroad.
"This year is worse than the last one and we have been very much affected by this situation," said Samantha Bakirli, representative of Sailing Holidays company in Corfu. "There is interest from the British people and they are willing to sign all the necessary documents in order to travel. We are trying to bring people in, but there are no flights." According to Ms. Bakirli, out of the 162 boats across the country, 35 are based in Corfu, through which 3,000 people from Britain travel in a normal season.
The protocols
According to the health protocols for the sector, prior to embarkation passengers should have a PCR or rapid test. In addition, for voyages that last more than a week and have more than 15 passengers (excluding the crew), it is recommended that, three to four days after embarkation, passengers should take a rapid test.
Central Corfu & Diapontia Islands Deputy Mayor for Tourism Panos Varouchas told Enimerosi that small sailing boat traffic is at 40%-50% of 2019 levels and superyachts at 60%.
This year started well considering that the season started on June 1, compared to last year when it started on July 15!
"There is an upward trend for July and this year's season is definitely going better than last year," said Mr. Varouchas. " At the moment, August is fully booked."
According to data from Marina Gouvia, the only authorised tourist port in Corfu (the operation of Marina Benitses is imminent), from the end of May until today, 200 boats have come for vacation from abroad, - a better-than-expected number.
"Given the circumstances, we are pleased and highly optimistic and it is definitely better than last year," said Marina Gouvia manager Costas Karambatsos. "At the moment, the majority of visitors with boats are from Italy, although it is not usual for them to travel at this time of year. There have also been visitors from Germany, France and the Netherlands."
Mr. Karambatsos said that at the moment there are 1,216 boats at berth at the marina, 60% of which are private ones and 40% professional. "The marina has 96% occupancy at the moment and is overcrowded, but it is mainly used as a boat parking lot" he added.
From 1,000 - 200,000 Euros
The rental cost varies depending on the type, while there are options for
all budgets; from affordable to more expensive. For example, the cost for renting a small boat for a week starts from €1,000 and can reach up to € 200,000 if it is for yachts and mega yachts.
On hold
At the same time, big sailing holiday companies that are totally dependent on the British market are on hold, as their boats are staying put and waiting for Boris Johnson to give the green light to travel abroad.
"This year is worse than the last one and we have been very much affected by this situation," said Samantha Bakirli, representative of Sailing Holidays company in Corfu. "There is interest from the British people and they are willing to sign all the necessary documents in order to travel. We are trying to bring people in, but there are no flights." According to Ms. Bakirli, out of the 162 boats across the country, 35 are based in Corfu, through which 3,000 people from Britain travel in a normal season.
The protocols
According to the health protocols for the sector, prior to embarkation passengers should have a PCR or rapid test. In addition, for voyages that last more than a week and have more than 15 passengers (excluding the crew), it is recommended that, three to four days after embarkation, passengers should take a rapid test.
