The Port of Heraklion won in this year’s Greek Tourism Awards the highest, Platinum distinction in the newly introduced, extremely popular category
“Covid-Safe Practices & Services. Guest protection – Staff protection”
The 2021 Tourism Awards ceremony took place on June 3rd, 2021 in the Peristyle of the Zappeion Megaron, Athens and was attended by Industry Leaders and Members of the Greek Government.
The Platinum Award is another recognition of the pivotal role of the Port of Heraklion, in the successful resumption of the cruise industry in the Eastern Mediterranean in September 2020, both as home and transit port, implementing the strictest Health and Safety protocols (Heraklion ranked #1 among Greek ports in terms of cruise passenger traffic during 2020).
It is also worth mentioning, that the Port of Heraklion celebrated on the 13th of May 2021 the official start of the 2021 cruise and tourist season in Greece, welcoming TUI Cruises Mein Schiff 5, the first ship to sail in the East Med in 2021.
In their 8th edition, the Greek Tourism Awards continue to consistently reward pioneers and innovators from the Greek Tourism and Leisure industries.
As 2021, a very special tourism season is about to open, the winners of 2021 Tourism Awards show the way for future of Greek Tourism Industry, with a clear towards developing quality, sustainable tourism.
The Platinum Award was presented by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Sofia Zacharaki and was received on behalf of Heraklion Port Authority by the Chairman of the Board Mr. Ioannis Vardavas and the CEO Mr. Minas Papadakis.
The President of HPO Mr. Ioannis Vardavas stated: “Receiving today the highest distinction, the Platinum Award, is a special honor for the Port Authority of Heraklion. It reflects our commitment for development and successful implementation of strict procedures aiming to protect passengers and employees against Covid19. The Management of Heraklion Port Authority and all its staff in good cooperation with all local stakeholders will continue their efforts for the further development of our Port as a pole of economic development and prosperity of Crete “.
In his statement, the CEO of HPO Mr. Minas Papadakis underlined :”This award is a justification and acknowledgement of our tireless efforts to establish Heraklion as a reliable, strategic partner in all future developments of the cruise industry in the Eastern Mediterranean basin.
This award is dedicated to the whole Port Authority team and especially to the Head of the Cruise Department Mrs. Kampana and to all local bodies, who worked methodically and focused for more than a year.
We are dynamically continuing all our efforts as Administration, in accordance with the tender process of HEADF for the development of the Port of Heraklion, Crete.”
It is worth noting that the Port of Heraklion, winning the platinum award of this year’s event is among internationally renowned Companies that also won platimum awards, such as Sani Resort, Blue Palace, Marketing Greece, Aria Hotels, Active Media Group, Pierra Creta, Istion Yachting and Selene Restaurant.
