Despite the international crisis, the East Med Yacht Show 2013 which was held at the beautiful Greek island of Poros, from the 4th until the 9th of May, was definitely a success.
The widely known show, formerly named “Poros Charter Yacht Show”, was renamed to “East Med Yacht Show”, as an attempt to signify the prominent role of Greece in the international Charter Yacht Industry. The exhibition was organized for the twelfth subsequent year, by the “Hellenic Yacht Brokers Association” – one of the oldest in its kind – and the “Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association”, with the support of the “Greek Tourism Organization” (GTO) and the Municipality of Poros Island.
The harbor of Poros, one of the most picturesque in the Mediterranean, hosted more than 70 exceptional luxury charter yachts which impressed the participating charter brokers who represented prestigious international charter agencies. The number of participating yachts was very satisfactory, given the fact that the exhibition took place during the Greek Orthodox Easter and therefore many yachts were on charters.
The wide range of parallel events, such as flyboard shows, galas, parties and seminars, enhanced by the excellent Greek weather, gave participants the chance to experience the uniqueness of Greece as a holiday destination. Besides the local Greek Orthodox Easter customs, which coincided with the exhibition, they also had the chance to taste the gourmet specialties created by the talented chefs at the Chef’s Competition.
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It is worth mentioning that Greece is one of the most amazing yachting destinations worldwide. Thousands of miles of coastline, hundreds of beautiful islands, wide variety of landscapes, unique spots, crystalline sea, impressive history and culture, warm people, delicious cuisine, endless entertainment options are only some of the advantages that Greek Yachting has to offer. On the top of that, the Greek Charter Yacht fleet is one of the best worldwide, not only in terms of size and variety but mainly in terms of quality, as it offers numerous excellent yachts and top level of service.
The Yacht Show’s inauguration ceremony took place in Poros quayside and was honored by the presence of Mr Christos Pallis, President of the “Greek Tourism Organization”, Mr Dimitirs Stratigos, Mayor of Poros Island, Mr Spyros Spiridonos, former Mayor of Poros Island and many representatives of the local authorities and the media. During the ceremony, guests were treated with handmade lemon and orange juice, produced by the delicious local fruits and prepared by the local ladies club “Poriotissa”.
Mr Antonis Stelliatos, president of the “Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association” stated “We are putting all our efforts to change the wrong impression that foreigners might have about Greece. Greece is one of the safest destinations worldwide. Greece is not bankrupted and we are ready to offer our unique hospitality to our guests”.
Mr George Kollintzas, president of the “Hellenic Yacht Brokers Association” stated. “Poros Charter Yacht Show was renamed to East Med Yacht Show, as an attempt to attract foreign yachts and enhance its prestige and reputation”. When asked about the financial crisis, he stated that “it has definitely affected the yachting sector. However, there are signs of recovery and we are confronting the upcoming season with optimism”.
Mr Christos Pallis, president of the “Greek Tourism Organization”, declared that “Greek Tourism Organization considers the yachting sector as a priority and the indications for 2013 are very promising, as we expect a raise in incoming tourism”.