Actions that will take Greece’s yachting industry into the new era were announced during the 4th Panhellenic Yachting Congress, held last month at the Asteria in Glyfada on the Athenian Riviera.
The annual congress, which brought together industry experts, stakeholders, and policymakers, focused on critical areas such as taxation, new technologies, shipbuilding design, training, AI integration, yachting trends, financing, and marketing strategies.
Among others, during the congress, it was agreed that industry representatives would meet with Finance Ministry and AADE tax authorities to discuss reducing VAT to 13% and streamlining bureaucratic procedures that currently hinder growth.
Experts also acknowledged the transformative role that AI has in optimizing services, including everything from reservations to crew management. Additionally, new digital tools were introduced that simplify charter procedures, aimed at making yachting operations more efficient.
With rapid advancements in technology, speakers emphasized the need for crew training in new systems and digital navigation. Shipbuilding trends meanwhile are shifting towards hybrid-electric propulsion and lightweight materials, enhancing both sustainability and performance.
Panel discussions also focused on the rising demand for experience-driven yachting, with a focus on wellness and therapeutic ‘retreats’ at sea. Analysts also noted that traditional banks still lack a central financing system for the sector, making Blockchain and Web3 emerging solutions for funding.
Lastly, the conference highlighted the need for institutional support for maritime groups and the creation of a reliable statistical charter platform.
The two-day event came to a close with a networking cocktail event. Organizers, Trinity Events, said the 4th Panhellenic Yachting Conference reaffirmed the yachting industry’s significant contribution to the Greek economy and underlined the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors to resolve critical issues.
TO BHMA International Edition and tovima.com were media sponsors for the 4th Panhellenic Yachting Congress.
