Cruise line between Constanta and Greek islands

Elena Udrea, Minister of Tourism, stated that she plans to set up a cruise line to connect Constanta and Greek islands. The idea is the result of discussion with Ioannis Kofinis, president of the Greece Tourism Organization, OTG.

Udrea stressed that the initiative could come into force until the end of summer, as things move fast in tourism and Romania has no time to lose.

The Minister specified that Romania and Greece have similar tourism products, but also underlined the differences between the two countries.

In Greece, tourism accounts for approximately 20% in the GDP and doubled this year budget for promoting activities, reaching EUR 150 mil. compared to EUR 10 mil., Romania’s budget.

Moreover, the National Association of Travel Agencies, ANAT, demanded the Greek authorities to financially support the Romanian operators performing charter flights towards Greece and co-finance promoting materials of Greece as tourism destination on the Romanian market.

Regarding charter flights, Corina Martin, president of ANAT suggested that Romanian operators would be stimulated if the Greek government supports a share to ensure the sustainability of charter flights.

In 2008, 250,000 Romanian tourists spent their holiday in Greece.

Sursa: Adevarul [27.06.2009], Bloom Biz [27.06.2009], Financiarul [27.06.2009], Iasi Invest [26.06.2009], Romania Libera [29.06.2009], Business Standard [29.06.2009], Wall-Street [29.06.2009]