Marinas

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As one of the most favored tourism destinations in the world, Greece is a natural haven for sailors.

A.Sea.Of.Opportunity

As one of the most favored tourism destinations in the world, Greece is a natural haven for sailors. With a coastline of more than 15,000 kilometers, one of the longest in the world, and more than 6,000 islands and islets, Greece offers sailing enthusiasts endless opportunities to enjoy its crystal clear.seas,.natural.beauty,.and.renowned.cultural.and.historical.attractions.

Demand for professional marina services is growing, ushering in significant investment opportunities. The tourism industry in Greece accounts for 18% of GDP, employs more than 700,000 people, and annual.visits.are.expected.to.reach.20.million.by.2010,.up.from.17.million.in.2008.

The value of the tourist marina market reached 30 million Euro in 2008, showing an average annual growth rate of 4% during the period 2005-2008.

Size.of.the.Greek.Tourist.Ports.Market.2005-2008.(in.value)

Source:.ICAP,.Market.Estimations

Greece’s “user friendly” seas draw visitors from across the globe, who enjoy an exceptional diversity of.beaches,.islands,.and.mainland.villages.

In order to accommodate the rising number of sailboats and motor yachts, the marinas in Greece require significant upgrades and represent an exceptional investment opportunity. In addition, Greece needs.new.marinas.to.be.built.that.will.accommodate.a.wide.variety.of.boats.and.boaters.

Today there are 19 marinas with 6,661 berths in Greece, offering high quality services. Many of these marinas have been awarded by the European Blue Flag programme. In recent years, the Greek National Tourist Organisation and a number of the 13 administrative regions of the country have begun implementing a programme to create an integrated network of anchoring and related services for boats along Greek coasts; this programme is now nearing completion. New modern marinas, hotel ports, and moorings for the safe docking of boats already operate or are in the process of starting their.operation.to.meet.the.needs.of.tourists.coming.to.Greece.by.sea.

Nationwide, the number of berths for all categories of vessels totals 19,269 in 128 ports, with the exception of commercial ports, fishing shelters, and small harbors of nautical sports clubs. The number of tourist ports, anchorages, and shelters in operation is currently 55, with the total number of berths reaching 10,015. Tourist ports (marinas) reach 80.7% of total berths. (ICAP study on recreational.yachting,.June.2009).

The growing demand for new space, a wide variety of services, and wide-ranging facilities translate into.opportunities.that.require.experience,.expertise,.and.strong.partnerships.

Public Private Partnership legislation is also an attractive platform with which to meet the needs of marina.expansion.through.the.development.of.state-owned.real.estate.

Advantages.of.Investing.in.Marinas
-..Expanding.market.and.growing.demand.for.permanent.slips
-..Need.for.new.and.upgraded.facilities.at.many.points.throughout.Greece
-..Ability.to.invest.in.a.PPP.(Public.Private.Partnership).project
-..Safe.seas.and.short.distances.between.attractive.destinations
-..Greece:.A.global.tourism.destination.brand

The Greek government has identified tourism infrastructure development as a priority target and encourages the construction of new marinas, along with the upgrading of existing marinas, to accommodate the increasing demand in the high growth yachting sector.

Marinas in operation, January 2010

Source: Greek National Tourism Organisation

Marinas under construction

Source: Greek National Tourism Organisation