The creation of a free artificial underwater attraction in the Municipality of Agios Vasilios was approved by the Ministry of Tourism, within the framework of the sustainable tourism development support programs, with a total budget of 221,612.51 euros.

The specific proposal for a diving park was submitted by the Municipality of Agios Vassiliou as part of the public call for “Diving Tourism Aid”, the “Diving and Underwater Tourism” sub-action, of the Recovery and Resilience Fund.

The proposal was approved after it was submitted first in the entire country and received the relevant distinct ranking, according to the municipal authority of Agios Vasilios Rethymno, based on the chronological order of submission. The park has been located and will be implemented in the sea area of ​​the community of Agia Galini. The project provides for construction, expansion costs, modernization of underwater facilities and equipment supply, promotion-promotion, costs for training and consulting services provided by external consultants, as well as port and environmental studies.

“The project envisages the creation of an innovative artificial underwater attraction in a marine area of ​​the municipality, which will act as a point of attraction for visitors for diving, marine recreation and environmental education, promoting at the same time the protection of marine life and highlighting the underwater wealth of the area, at the same time as the economic support of the local community through mild, sustainable forms of tourism” said the mayor of Agios Vassiliou, Yiannis Tatarakis, who expressed his satisfaction with the development.

“I want to warmly thank the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, for approving and supporting this important project for our municipality. With the implementation of the project, we take an important step towards creating a unique point of reference for our region, strengthen local development and create new perspectives for the tourism promotion of the region, with respect for the natural environment and the people of our country. This project is the product of our collaboration with specialized engineering and technical bodies and comes to strengthen the municipality’s strategy for tourism.

Marine tourism and the protection of the environment are our priorities and our goal is to offer added value to our place, with respect for nature and our tradition” concluded the mayor.