Will regulations blow maritime tourism off course?
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Spectacular coastlines, a multitude of island destinations and harbours that evoke seafaring from ancient times are just a few of the attractions driving the continued growth of maritime tourism in Greece.
Understandably, the rising leisure yacht numbers each year have demanded more – and better – management. However, there are questions on whether new regulations support growth or, instead, undermine the professionals most likely to drive it.
Enforcing navigation rules with greater vigour is surely welcomed, where its impact is most likely to be felt as lower accident numbers and safer swimmers.
New environmental standards, meanwhile, including mandatory waste management systems and anchoring restrictions in protected areas, will cut marine pollution and reduce damage from seabed scour.
Undoubtedly, best environmental practice, high standards for safety and smooth traffic management also meet the expectations of the type of premium-end maritime visitor that matches Greece’s image as a sustainable destination.
But the new regulations also bring significant cost burdens, with additional fees, duties, and other tax obligations for leisure vessels becoming a cause for concern – particularly among smaller operators.
Furthermore, while future infrastructure investment is often the reason governments give when justifying new taxes, experience suggests the more significant impact may be in discouraging the taxpayer’s own investment plans for the sector.
As ever, the challenge lies in finding a balance between necessary regulation and the ecosystem that best encourages private businesses to grow. New regulations can promote development and long-term viability of Greece’s maritime tourism, as long as they don’t also bring barriers to investment and higher operating costs for industry.
