Α New era for maritime tourism after the recent launching of the Network of Eastern Mediterranean Marinas – MSI Hellas

The managing companies of Ayia Napa, Rhodes, Pedi-Symi Island and Kos Marinas, jointly proceeded in launching a network of the Eastern Mediterranean Marinas (IMAM). Its main objective is upgrading all services provided to yacht owners and further developing the maritime tourism in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. The signed Memorandum of Understanding took place on the 4^th of December 2023 at the Ayia Napa Marina Event Center between the representatives of the Marina managing companies in the presence of local Authorities and ministries of the Republic of Cyprus. The four marina members of the Network will collaborate to promote the development of maritime tourism in the Mediterranean region within the yachting sector, by providing high quality services to the networks customers and exclusive privileges.

An agreement and effort have been established in the context of finding alternative sources of green energy for zero-carbon emission regarding all operations and vessel moorings throughout all four members of the marina network. Equally important is the distribution of knowledge and expertise amongst the network staff, which will work beneficially both for the organizations themselves and for the end users of the services. Mr. Vasilis Politis, on behalf of Pedi Marina of Symi island (FYLY YACHTING/MSI HELLAS), stated that “the implementation of the idea was carried out within 30 days. Initially we thought that because of the frequency that many Cypriots visited Rhodes, Symi and Kos marinas a cooperation amongst the marinas was necessary and then later we decided to add the Ayia Napa marina to the network.” He also mentioned that “we have received many applications from other marinas to join this network”, while on behalf of Rhodes Marina, Mr. Christoforos Charisis wished “a very productive and creative cooperation” and added that “the yachts are designed to move, so a network of marinas which offers efficient services and attractive destinations is something that all yacht owners and managers expect from us.” Mr. Drossos Antonios, on behalf of the Kos marina, described “the Ayia Napa marina as a jewel for the wider region and a guide for all marinas, not only in the Eastern Mediterranean, since receiving praise and honors from the commencement of its operation”. On his part, the Director of Ayia Napa Marina, Mr. Costas Fytiris, described todays launching as “an important day for maritime tourism”, he added that “Four marinas, Cyprus, Rhodes, Symi and Kos, amongst the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, join forces and aim to upgrade their services at all levels, whilst exchanging knowledge and expertise in improving and developing maritime tourism, which is a vital sector for the economy of Greece and Cyprus”.