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The changing landscape of East Med & Black Sea cruise
The 2nd Seatrade Winter Cruising Forum has now come to a close, after two days of announcements and discussion on the way ahead for off-season deployment in the region.
Cruise line executives at the event welcomed the opening session announcement by George Nikitiades, Greek Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, that cabotage restrictions in Greece would soon be lifted, saying that it will be seen by the industry as an important decision for cruising in the eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey’s Minister of Transport, Marine Affairs and Communications, Binalı Yıldırım, also addressed forum delegates, announcing reductions of up to 50% in certain port and service fees for cruise ships calling in some ports of Turkey from January 2012, that will equate to $10m governmental financial support to the sector.
Winter and year-round cruising came under the spotlight in Istanbul; where over 180 delegates and speakers gathered for this timely event, as the region prepares for a surge in cruise deployment over the coming years.
Click here for a selection of event photos
Pictured (left to right): Ekrem Demirtas-Izmir Chamber of Commerce, Ozgur Ozaslan-Undersecretary, Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism, George Nikitiades-Greek Deputy Minister of Culture & Tourism, Erkunt Oner-Tura Turizm, Chris Hayman-Seatrade, Giora Israel-Carnival Corp, Neil Palomba-MSC Cruises, John Tercek-Royal Caribbean Cruises, Stavros Hatzakos-MedCruise & Piraeus Port
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Click here to download a copy of the event brochure in PDF format
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