Greece draws more tourists for cruises

MUĞLA - Anatolia News Agency

Mykonos Island is one of the most popular destinations in Greece.

Greece is luring more cruise trippers from Turkey due to its lower prices, a Turkish sector professional said, adding that measures should be taken before the same problem begins to occur in Turkish hotels.

Bodrum, a touristic district in the southwestern province of Muğla, launched its cruise tourism season this month, but Greek islands have proven to be more popular destinations, said Arif Yılmaz, an official with the Istanbul, Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Sea Regions (İMEAK) Chamber of Shipping.

Yılmaz said food and drink prices, which were higher in Turkey than Greece, were affecting clients’ preferences. “Measures should be taken against it. The same problem will be seen in hotels, too, because there are serious differences in taxation between the two neighbors,” he said. Yılmaz also said there were enough boats, around 6,000, for daily tours. There are also 13 cooperatives and 177 boats for cruise tourism, but there is a problem with anchorage, he said.

The official also said the coasts should be protected, that anchorage problems should be solved and that routes should be standardized by preparing coastal plans in order to maintain cruise tourism.