1st Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum - The Best from Greece

Join this June for the 1st Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum.

an event that will highlight the growing importance of the Eastern Mediterranean & the Black Sea region for the Sea Tourism Industry.

The Forum will address how the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea can benefit from taking an organised and long-term strategic approach to sea tourism – focusing on the three key areas: Cruise, Yachting and Inter-island/Coastal Shipping.

General info

Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea invest in Sea Tourism for the Future

New Event in Greece set to reposition sector as key driver for economic growth in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

Posidonia launches Sea Tourism Forum

The potential for sea tourism and its significance as a key factor in the development of the economies of Greece, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea region will be examined in depth during the first Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum, scheduled to take place in Greece this summer.

Titled ‘The Challenge for Greece, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea’, the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum will be held 21-22 June 2011 at the brand new Onassis Cultural Centre in Athens.

 

 

The focus will be on three key areas of sea tourism:

Cruise Shipping

Yachting

Inter-island and Coastal Shipping

 

One of the questions we will address during the forum is how the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea can benefit from taking an organised and long-term strategic approach to sea tourism – coordinating these key interrelated areas.

The first day will be dedicated to the cruise industry and its growing importance as a major economic and tourism development player. The Forum will examine in detail how the region can:

Attract foreign and domestic investment that will serve both the industry and the national economies

Kick-start joint ventures in its sea tourism infrastructure

Simplify the legal framework and follow up on recent government initiatives

Upgrade its services to the industry

Position itself as a main maritime and cruising hub

 

 

Joint marketing activities from both the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea countries to influence cruise itineraries, as well as discussions on how to provide a full range of services and port infrastructure for the cruise industry will also be on the agenda.

On the second day of the Forum, the yachting industry as a key tourism development tool and important revenue generator for Eastern Mediterranean economies takes centre-stage as ‘yachting economics’, including the growing influence of super yachts, comes under the spotlight. Among the issues to be debated are:

Unification of yachting policies and tax regulations in the Eastern Med and the Black Sea.

Developing port and marine facilities, and supporting infrastructure.

Developing quality repair and maintenance facilities in the region.

Expanding refurbishment capabilities for high end yachting.

Potential inter-regional synergies, including joint marketing and reciprocal service cooperation.

Services provided to yachting: What are the weaknesses of the region?

Mega and super yachts: Is the region ready to welcome them? What needs to be done?

Providing accurate and up-to-date information on services and marinas to the international customer base.
Attracting more yachting events to the region, such as high profile regattas, racing, etc.

 

Also on the second day, inter-island and coastal shipping will be examined as vital tourism development tools for the region.

The inaugural two-day event is expected to attract the attention of the industry’s leaders and stakeholders who will focus on the challenges for sea tourism, investment opportunities in the region, new infrastructure projects and a platform for launching new ideas and ventures.

The Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum is organised under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Islands and Fisheries, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE). It is organised by Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. in association with CTM Hellas.

Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. is the organiser of the International Shipping Exhibition Posidonia, the most prestigious shipping event in the maritime industry. Posidonia was established in 1969 and since then has been taking place every two years. Posidonia 2010 was the largest in terms of exhibition space and the most publicized in its 40 year history and it is now the largest trade show in Greece. Posidonia 2010 attracted 1,858 exhibiting companies from 87 countries, out of which 21 participated with national pavilions, and attendance reached 17,385 visitors from 76 countries.

 

Programme

Tuesday 21/6/2011
Day 1:

8.00-9.00: Registration-Welcome coffee sponsored by Hard rock Cafe Athens

9.00-9.30: Forum Opening by the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Islands and Fisheries, Mr. Yiannis Diamantides and the Minister of Culture & Tourism, Mr. Pavlos Yeroulanos

 

9.30-11.00: PANEL 1

Growth of cruise tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea

Does the presence of mainstream and niche operators in a region help in the development of new source markets - i.e. supply driven growth - or do these potential markets first evolve as tourism markets and then attract cruise options closer to home - i.e. demand driven growth?

 

What are the main challenges faced by the Eastern Mediterranean & Black Sea regions in their attempt to achieve a parallel level of importance with Central and Western Mediterranean?

How does the East Mediterranean currently rank in strategic significance with regard to cruise operators and their global deployment planning?

The source markets of Western Europe developed initially through national brands and then expanded rapidly both through the enhanced presence of the major US brands - mainstream and luxury - and by the simultaneous entry of European tour operators in the cruise sector. How will the huge emerging source market of Eastern Europe develop? Will it be through national brands or will cruise operators adapt their existing product to these new markets similar to the China experience?

What is the possibility of creating localized short duration cruise products by major brands, as part of emerging market development i.e. similar to the Caribbean?
Which are the optimum regions for such a deployment?

Speakers

Dr. Andreas A. Andreadis, President, Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises(SETE). CV
Yiorgos Anomeritis, Chairman & Managing Director, Piraeus Port Authority S.A. CV
Costakis Loizou, Executive Chairman, Louis Group. CV
Gianni Onorato, President, Costa Crociere. CV
Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO MSC Cruises, Vice-Chairman European Cruise Council. CV
Moderator: David Robert Morris , President, David Morris International. CV
Co-Moderator: Chrissie Palassis, Partner, CTM. CV

11.00-11.15: coffee-break sponsored by Hardrock Cafe Athens

 

11.15-12.45: PANEL 2

The Economics of Sea Tourism

Overall appraisal and ECC studies on the benefits of cruising for the European Economy.

Understanding why cruising is important to local communities in terms of direct revenue and nationwide through wide ranging indirect benefits.

How can cruise operators with year round presence in a region benefit by capitalizing on local technical & operational skills and by establishing well qualified shore-side regional offices to optimize crewing, general ship & hotel supplying and the use of local facilities for ship repair & maintenance, refurbishment, etc.

Attracting investment in new ports and port expansion. Financing possibilities, is this a realistic scenario? How conducive in fact, are the cruise operators?

The economics of itinerary planning.

Speakers

George A. Gratsos, President, Hellenic Chamber of Shipping. CV
Giora Israel, Senior Vice President Port & Destination Development, Carnival Corporation. CV
Charis Papacharalambous, Sales & Marketing Director, Louis Cruises. CV
Giovanni Spadoni, President, Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports (MedCruise). CV
John Tercek, Vice President Commercial and New Business Development, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. CV
Peter Wild, Managing Director, G. P. Wild International Limited. CV
Moderator: David Robert Morris, President, David Morris International. CV
Co-Moderator: Chrissie Palassis, Partner, CTM. CV

12.45-14.15: Lunch break sponsored by International Press services

 

14.15-15.45: PANEL 3

Sea Tourism – Partnering and Marketing

Synergies that need to be established in the region between Cruise Operators, Airlines and Tour Operators that will fast track consumer awareness on the value and attractiveness of cruising as a vacation option.

Ports, airports and hotels can work together to promote home porting potential.

Tourism boards can cooperate with Cruise Operators to promote destinations more effectively in major source markets.

How can East Mediterranean and Black Sea countries cooperate so as to optimize marketing and advertising expenditure in prospective cruise markets?

Local services providers, such as ground handling agents, guides, museums, historical sites must cooperate to expediently streamline and improve the performance of shore excursions, given the limited timeframe available to cruise line passengers in ports.

Opening Address: Yiannis Plakiotakis, Member of the Hellenic Parliament, Representative of Maritime Affairs, New Democracy Party

Speakers

Osman Erler, Marketing & Sales Manager, Apextour & Cruise Holidays,Turkey. CV
George Koletsos , Secretary General, Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO). CV
Jennifer Marmanillo, Manager, Itinerary Planning, Norwegian Cruise Line. CV
Dr. Yiannis Paraschis , CEO, Athens International Airport. CV
Apostolos Poulovassilis, Regional Marine Manager, Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), Lloyd's Register Group. CV
Andreas Stylianopoulos , Member, Association of the Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE), President, Navigator Travel & Tourist Services Ltd. CV
Moderator: David Robert Morris , President, David Morris International. CV
Co-Moderator: Chrissie Palassis, Partner, CTM. CV

15.45-16.00: coffee-break sponsored by Hardrock Cafe Athens

 

16.00-17.30: PANEL 4

Destinations, Cities and Ports

Irrespective of who is the driving force, it is only when ports, cities and destinations develop strong cooperative links that win-win conditions can prevail and local economies, cruise operators and the ultimate consumer – the cruise passenger – can all be satisfied.

What do cruise operators basically expect from a transit port and based on current cruise development experiences in the Mediterranean, how quickly do ports respond to their requirements?

Small destination ports and islands must carefully balance between the level of infrastructure improvements and/or expansions they are willing to undertake and the conservation of their tourist value and character.

Large commercial ports that serve marquee destinations must find the right balance through their customer priorities - i.e. commercial versus touristic activities - and invest in upgrades and passenger terminals accordingly.

Speakers

Luis Ajamil, President & CEO, Bermello, Ajamil & Partners Inc. CV
Ekrem Demirtas, President of the Executive Board, Izmir Chamber of Commerce. CV
Craig Milan, Senior Vice President Land Operations, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, President, Royal Celebrity Tours Inc. CV
Elisabetta De Nardo, Port Operations Manager, Costa Crociere. CV
Mario Fernardo Sennacheribbo Pons, CEO, BC Group (Baleares Consignatarios). CV
Linda Springmann , Vice President Worldwide Deployment & Tour Marketing, Holland America Line. CV
Moderator: David Robert Morris, President, David Morris International. CV
Co-Moderator: Chrissie Palassis, Partner, CTM. CV

20.30: Official Reception for Speakers and Delegates (by invitation only)

Wednesday 22/6/2011

Day 2

8.00-9.00: Registration-coffee sponsored by Hardrock Cafe Athens

9.00-9.30: Yachting & Passenger Shipping Forum Opening by the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Georgios Nikitiadis

Address by Olga Kefalogianni, Member of the Hellenic Parliament, Responsible for the Tourism Sector, New Democracy Party

 

9.30-11.00: PANEL 1

Yachting – a hobby, a sport or a business?

When is a hobby no longer a hobby or a sport, but a tourism product and a commercial business? The reality in Greece shows us that the crossover of yacht ownership for leisure as opposed to the yacht for commercial/operation is often confused. Lawmakers need to have a clearer understanding of this distinction before attempting to legislate and/or direct public opinion. Other countries seem to have grasped the issue more effectively and created both a user and an investor friendly environment.

Leisure yachting - including amateur sport yachting - versus commercial yachting: Have the correct balances been achieved regarding marina development and sector legislation?

What is the current legal and tax framework for yachting in Greece? What is the business model in other countries?

Is the methodology in place to track gross tourism income generated per capita of Yacht v Cruise Ship v Hotel guest on a national or even local basis? Would a deeper insight help change attitudes and even legal and tax issues?

Speakers

Spiridon Kiriacoulis, Vice President of the Board of Directors, Kiriacoulis Mediterranean Cruises Shipping S.A. CV
Giannis Markogiannis , Lawyer, Giannis Markogiannis & Associates Law Office. CV
Oscar Siches , Partner and Manager, Pantalan del Mediterraneo Marina, Marina Consultant & Member of ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) Marinas Group. CV
Antonis Stelliatos , President of HPYOA (Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association). CV
George Vernicos, Chairman of Vernicos Yachts, Secretary General, Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises. CV
Moderator: Colin Squire , Publisher, Yachting Matters. CV
Co-Moderator: Rosemary Pavlatou, Director of A1 Yacht Trade Consortium & BWA Yachting, Member of MYBA, The Worldwide Yachting Association. CV

11.00-11.15: coffee-break sponsored by Hardrock Cafe Athens

11.15-12.45: PANEL 2

The multiple role of Marinas

How has the global financial crisis affected demand for berthing space in Eastern Mediterranean? Prior to the crisis, demand for suitable year-round berths far outweighed worldwide supply.

What is the economic impact of Marinas for the local and national economies?

Should governments encourage the development of marinas and how can they attract investments in high-end marina development. Contrasting models: the rapid growth of marina construction Turkey and Montenegro.

What challenges do perspective marina developers face?

Can the Eastern Mediterranean learn from the successful marina operators in the Balearic Islands and Western Mediterranean?

Is it possible to categorize marinas according to available services and also to standardize services offered by marinas in Greece’s diverse island and coastal environment?

The yacht marina as a tourist attraction. Can local communities see the benefits? Success stories.

Catering for private mega yachts. Are we doing enough?

Speakers

Oliver Corlette , Managing Director of Adriatic Marinas (Porto Montenegro). CV
Stavros Katsikadis, President of the Board Greek Marinas Association, Managing Director of Flisvos Marina. CV
James Beaver, Operations Director, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas International.
Tony Rice, Secretary General of ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations). CV
John Turgoose , Senior Associate, G.P. Wild (International) Limited. CV
Moderator: Colin Squire , Publisher, Yachting Matters. CV
Co-Moderator: Rosemary Pavlatou, Director of A1 Yacht Trade Consortium & BWA Yachting, Member of MYBA, The Worldwide Yachting Association. CV

12.45-14.15: Lunch break

 

14.15-15.45: PANEL 3

Yachting Services and Promotion

Although quality repair and maintenance facilities exist in the region, has this capability been publicized or marketed sufficiently?

Mega yacht refurbishment has been taking place in Greece for many years. Is the local industry capitalizing on this expertise and how can it be expanded?

How to provide and maintain accurate and up-to-date information on marinas and services offered for the international customer base.

The Eastern Mediterranean incorporates some of the world’s most attractive sailing destinations, Greece and its archipelago, the Dalmatian coast with its islands and the Aegean coast of Turkey. Can the region further benefit by joint marketing campaigns aimed at the main charter source markets?

Specialized marketing to attract high profile regattas, yacht racing and other international sailing and sea sport events. Is enough being done at national levels to attract them to the region?

Speakers

Nicholas Dean, Managing Partner, Ocean Independence AG. CV
Stephanos Manos, Owner MVS & Associates. CV
Paolo Moretti, Yachting Business Manager, RINA. CV
Stavros Paneris, Technical Director, Halkitis Shipyards S.A. CV
Michalis Pastrikos, Managing Director, Kos Marina
Edward Pegan , Sales & Marketing Director of BWA Yachting. CV
Moderator: Colin Squire , Publisher, Yachting Matters. CV
Co-Moderator: Rosemary Pavlatou, Director of A1 Yacht Trade Consortium & BWA Yachting, Member of MYBA, The Worldwide Yachting Association. CV

15.45-16.00: coffee-break sponsored by Hardrock Cafe Athens

 

16.00-17.30: PANEL 4

Passenger Shipping

The role of passenger shipping in today’s tourism industry.

Although many studies have been carried out concerning the optimization of ferry operating routes, is there a consensus on how to balance commercial routes with ones that are not viable, but are crucial as lifelines for small island communities? Does the European Union offer any support?

Developing trunk lines and intra-island feeder networks is seen as a solution to many passenger transport problems, particularly within the Aegean archipelago. Encouraging private investment in intra-island transport services and the importance of local initiative.

One of the long standing problems for tour operators and travel agents is that most timetables and departure details are publicized very late, making vacation packaging or FIT programming very difficult. Has there been any progress in this respect?

Has the introduction of fast ferries on high interest tourist routes in any way revolutionized how mass market vacations are packaged?

How do a port’s passenger facilities such as traffic flow, passenger terminals, signage, or lack of, influence the visitor’s perception of a destination?

Speakers

Fotis Karamitsos, Director DG MOVE, European Commission. CV
Capt. Eleftherios S. Kechagioglou , President, Hellenic Small Islands Network. CV
Michalis Sakellis, Managing Director, Blue Star Ferries, Vice-President, Association of Greek Passenger Shipping Companies. CV
George Telonis, President, Hellenic Association of Travel & Tourist Agencies (HATTA). CV
Apostolos K. Ventouris, President, Union of Marine Enterprises. CV
Moderator: Professor Alkis John Corres , Reader, International Shipping Policy & Chartering, University of the Aegean, Ex-Chairman of the Hellenic Association of Maritime Economists. CV

Venue & Location
The Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum will be held at the Onassis Cultural Centre (OCC) in Athens, Greece (www.sgt.gr). The address and contact information of the venue is:

ONASSIS CULTURAL CENTRE
107-109 Syngrou Avenue
117 45 Athens
tel.: 213 0 178000
e-mail: info@sgt.gr

 

The OCC is on the left as you travel down Syngrou Avenue towards the sea and is next to the headquarters of the Ethniki Asfalistiki insurance company and opposite Panteion University.

Accommodation – Official Hotel

The official hotel for the Forum is the Athenaeum Intercontinental Athens. The hotel is situated very close to the OCC, approximately 2 minutes walk and also close to central Athens.

Posidonia has secured excellent prices for both delegates and sponsors at the Athenaeum Intercontinental. All prices include breakfast and complimentary use of the Fitness Facilities. To book your room or for enquiries, please contact:

Ms Sofia Samartzi
Front Office Group Executive
E-mail: Sofia.Samartzi@ihg.com
Telephone: +30 210 9206023 (direct)

Participation fees

Early bird registration fee (for both days 21-22/6/2011): 350 euros + 23%VAT
Early bird registration fee (for one day 21 or 22/6/2011): 210 euros + 23%VAT
(for registrations up to 15/4/2011)

Full participation (both days 21-22/6/2011): 500 euros + 23% VAT
One day only (21/6 or 22/6/2011): 300 euros + 23% VAT

For two delegates: 10% discount
For three delegates or more: 20% discount
(Note: discount applies to delegates from the same company or organisation)

For students: 250 euros +23% VAT (for both days)

The participation fee covers relevant forum sessions, refreshments, lunch on the day of the session, available documentation, delegate kit, simultaneous translation from English to Greek and vice versa, administration fees and invitation to official Posidonia Sea Tourism Reception on 21/6/2011.
Transport

For details of how to get to the OCC, please note the following:

By bus/trolley-bus:
Take bus lines 040, 106, 126, 134, 135, 136, 137, 550, Α2, Β2, Ε22, Ε90 or trolley-bus 10 and get off at ‘Panteion’. If you are heading downtown, the bus/trolley stop is just 10 metres from the entrance to the OCC.
If you are coming from the city centre or the Syngrou-Fix Metro station, use the pedestrian underpass in front of Panteion University to cross over to the other side of Syngrou Avenue.

By Metro:
Take the ‘red line’ (Line 2, Agios Antonios – Agios Dimitrios) and get off at ‘Syngrou-Fix’. Follow the signs to “Exit to Syngrou/Drakou” and you will emerge on Syngrou Avenue. From there, you can either take a bus or trolley-bus from the stop in front of the Metro escalators on Syngrou Avenue and get off four stops later at ‘Panteion’; if you are not in a hurry, it is a 12-minute walk down Syngrou Avenue to Panteion University, where you can use the pedestrian underpass to cross over to the other side of Syngrou Avenue.

By car:
Parking in the densely populated area around the OCC might be a problem, especially at night or during the weekend. The OCC does not provide parking facilities, but you can find a parking space in the commercial parking facilities in the nearby Starcity Cinema Multiplex (next to the OCC).

Arrival

Badges & Forum Material
When you arrive at the venue, please visit the registration desk and collect your badge which should be worn at all times and your delegate kit. If any additional material becomes available during the event, it will be provided online.

Refreshments
Tea, coffee and snacks will be available before the conference as well as a morning and an afternoon coffee break. Lunch will be served around midday.

Conference Language

The working languages of the conference will be English and Greek. Simultaneous translation will be available.

Smoking

Smoking is strictly prohibited in the building.

Contact us

For any further information, please contact us:

Posidonia Exhibitions S.A.
4-6 Efplias Street
185 37 Piraeus, Greece

Tel.: +30 210 4283608
Fax.: +30 210 4283610
E-mail: posidonia@posidonia-events.com

Press Registration
Registration at the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum is free for members of the Press. To register, please send an e-mail with full contact details to information@posidonia-events.com

 

 

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