Page 112 - ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL 2024

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
influence

"I am optimistic that 2024 will be a good year as the market
will level out giving Greece the opportunity to stand out as a top

destination for luxury yachting vacations."

C rystal clear waters, beautiful For example, we would need to participate together

with the Greek National Tourism Organization in the
islands, hundreds upon hundreds
leading travel trade shows abroad as well as advertise
of coasts to choose from ... Yachting
Greek maritime tourism in international specialized
holidays are synonymous with the
beauty of Greece’s incredible seas,
publications.
and Michael Skoulikidis, luxury
What are your expectations for the upcoming
show?
yachting expert and organizer of the
Mediterranean Yacht Show, is one man
be better than the last. We’re seeing newer and larger boats
who is highly knowledgeable about
the secrets of their charm. The annual
participate, the number of exhibitors is continuously
yacht show organized by the Greek Yachting Association and The MEDYS has created a tradition: every year proves to
growing, the chefs’ competition has become increasingly
hosted in the coastal city of Nafplio has become an established challenging and the social networking events hosted in
event in the international yachting calendar attended by historic sites throughout Nafplio are hugely successful.
brokers and industry professionals from all over the world. The initial feedback that we have received concerning
Every year, the event grows in size and stature, exceeding all the upcoming show indicates that the MEDYS 2024 will
expectations in terms of participating yachts, representing continue the tradition and be marked by great success.
the crème de la crème of professional crewed yachts. How do you believe Greece’s share of the pie in
The annual Mediterranean Yacht Show (MEDYS), this specialized market can grow?
which represents an important exhibition for pro- We definitely need more intense and aggressive marketing
fessional crewed yacht charters, is the culmination of and advertising, online campaigns and an enhanced social
the activities of the Greek Yachting Association (over media presence. We need to be able to communicate with
which you preside as President). What other initia- the next generation and speak their language whilst still
tives are you taking to attract global attention from fully respecting the international specialized publications
yacht brokers to Greek yachting? that do continue to influence our audience. We also need
The MEDYS has managed to steal the show globally in to attend major global events such as the Monaco Yacht
terms of professional crewed yacht charter events. It turns Show, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and with the opportunity to combine the best of both worlds improved by leaps and bounds in recent years and the
the spotlight on Greece which is of course a yachting the MYBA Charter Show. We would need to team up and this will offer us yet another competitive advantage. services they offer can certainly cover the needs and wants
paradise, but it also creates ambassadors throughout the with the Greek National Tourism Organization with a Will the redevelopment of both the Alimos and of even the most discerning guests. Our captains, sailors
world resulting from the amazing experience that we offer dedicated stand at these events which is something that Astir Marinas on Athens’ coastal front solve the and engineers are known for their seamanship, they know
international attendees. Charter professionals from the Australia actually did in 2023, at the MYBA Charter berthing problem in Athens? all the hidden secrets of our seas and islands - many of
four corners of the globe who attend the event have only Show and Monaco Yacht Show. Enriching our fleet is While the development of the coastal front will the yacht chefs have been employed in Michelin-starred
"THE MEDYS the best to say about our country, i.e. the quality of our also important. More modern yachts mean more choice. contribute to the creation of a number of berths, it restaurants and are extremely talented and creative –

HAS MANAGED fleet, the inexhaustible list of destinations, the rich history, Do you believe that Athenian Riviera redevelop- will not solve the problem completely. Greece has one lastly, the interior crew receive ongoing training in order
ment and other projects currently under imple-
the favourable weather, the warm hospitality... And as we
of the largest fleets of large yachts (over 40 meters) in the
to be able to respond to any given request with discretion
TO STEAL THE all know, ‘word of mouth’ is ultimately the most effective mentation have the capacity to attract more global world and, in recent years, many of them couldn’t find a and finesse.
What do you believe is in store for maritime tour-
travelers seeking yacht charters?
place to dock. The fact is that the Greek fleet is growing
form of advertising.
SHOW GLOBALLY At the same time, our association promotes its activities The completion of the redevelopment of the Athenian rapidly and thousands more berths are needed, with the ism in 2024? What are the messages you have re-
ceived from the market so far?
through various articles in renowned magazines such as
Attica region facing the biggest problem. If we add the
Riviera will definitely add a new dimension to Greek
IN TERMS OF Conde Nast Traveler and Boat International. We are also yachting. It will add the element of luxury lifestyle, a needs of passing vessels for quality mooring services, it In 2023 we saw a decline in charters, something that we
lifestyle that has made the south of France so popular
becomes pretty evident that the new berths offered by
very active on social media via our Instagram, Facebook and
had predicted would happen after the two exceptional
PROFESSIONAL LinkedIn accounts. We are making every effort, using every with its fast pace, luxurious nightlife, expensive shops both the Alimos and Astir Marinas just won’t be able years (2021 and 2022) that our industry experienced. The
means at our disposal, to promote Greece as a destination.
to meet the growing demand.
correction was expected because travel restrictions are
and haute cuisine, all elements that make the region
CREWED YACHT With that being said, further promotional initiatives are particularly attractive to UHNWIs. On the other hand, Do you believe that the Greek fleet of crewed yachts no longer in place and destination options for charterers Michael Skoulikidis
invites us from April
27th to May 1st to the
CHARTER needed in cooperation with state bodies such as the Greek when it comes to visiting Greece, they are attracted by is able to satisfy the needs and desires of even the have expanded. The market is extremely competitive but 9th MEDYS, the event
most demanding traveler?
National Tourism Organization if we wish to fully develop
I am optimistic that 2024 will be a good year as the market
our crystal-clear waters, enchanting beaches, history,
that promises to be the
EVENTS." the potential of the Greek yachting industry. Much more culture, privacy, tranquility, authenticity and simplicity. Our boats are on a par with the boats operating in the will level out giving Greece the opportunity to stand out highlight of the 2024
south of France, Italy and Spain. Greek crews have
An upgraded Athenian Riviera will provide travelers
needs to be done.
global yachting calendar.
as a top destination for luxury yachting vacations. 
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