By
Alex Smith |
The Greek government has lifted Covid-19-related health restrictions, allowing cruise and ferry itineraries to resume between Greece and Turkey after a two-year pause during the pandemic.
Ferries carried around one million passengers per year between the two countries prior to the outbreak of the pandemic.
“Both countries will make maximum use of this re-established maritime route,” said Yusuf Ozturk, chairman of the Chamber of Shipping in Izmir, Turkey. “In a period when cruise tourism in the Mediterranean is also active, there will be a great revival in the 2022 tourism season with the decision to start sailing with our ferries.”
The lifting of additional restrictions means that all Turkish ports will now be open for cruise itineraries, following the resumption of cruise itineraries between Greece and the ports of Galataport Istanbul and Kusadasi in Turkey in October 2021.
“Following strong collaboration with all stakeholders, we are pleased to communicate this news, which comes right on time for the cruise ports and cruise lines to organise the season ahead, while following all public health protection processes and guidelines.” said Figen Ayan, president of cruise industry association MedCruise. “We, as MedCruise, will continue to develop activities and similar campaigns to support each and all of its members, facilitating the safety and sustainable growth of cruise activities in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas.”