“With the signing of the PPP for the Nafplion marina project, we are upgrading this historic destination, the only destination, both touristically and from all points of view”, underlined the Minister of Tourism, Vassilis Kikilias, who was in the capital of Argolis, adding that it “brings more revenue to the region, added value, new jobs, quality tourism, high-income travelers and tourists who spend much more, extends the tourist season”.

Mr. Kikilias said that such a project “requires and requires team effort, cooperation and hard work, in order to break the shackles of bureaucracy and move forward. It’s surprising how this project went “back and forth” for so many years”, he pointed out.

Before the signing of the contract, in his statements to the media, the Minister of Tourism emphasized that “Nafplio is of unique beauty, a special destination, Nafplio itself is a brand in itself and of course infrastructure plays a very big role in the development of today and tomorrow”, while for this very project of the marina, he underlined that “we were called to contribute as the Ministry of Tourism to be able to help the project. The more the tourism product is upgraded, the more travelers and tourists come to Nafplio, with higher incomes, so they spend more, so the region’s economy flourishes.”

For his part, Tasos Zafeiris, President of the Port Fund of Nafplio, underlined that the project “will have a positive and maximum impact on the development of our city and the wider region, both with the goodwill and with the jobs that will arise. In order to reach the finish line today, to cut the thread and sign the contract, synergies, full time, a lot of effort, diligent effort and successful coordination between the Municipality of Nafplion, the Municipal Port Fund, the Peloponnese Region and the Ministries of Tourism and Development were required.”

The Regional Governor of Peloponnese, Panagiotis Nikas, spoke of an “important day for the entire eastern Peloponnese”, noting that the project will affect the economic life as far as Monemvasia and that it will provide jobs, saying that “we start with 20 million euros and in its development it will reach 100 million euros”.

Dimitris Kostouros, Mayor of Nafplio, underlined that in order to achieve the goal, “the cooperation of many agencies, many people for many years” was needed, stressing that he has lived the whole way, from 2009 until today, when the contract was signed.

On the part of the concessionaire, TEKAL SA, Panagiotis Psaltakos pledged that “the project will proceed rapidly and we are convinced that, after a lot of valuable time has been lost, the local community and the Greek economy cannot wait any longer. That is why we are building a marina with the most modern standards, respecting the history and the environment of the area. Then “Nafplio Marina S.A.” will operate this marina with the strongest development and environmental standards”. He also underlined that “it is possible to combine tourism and economic development in general, with respect for the environment and the special characteristics of this wonderful place”.