“A comprehensive master plan for the port and all port infrastructure is underway. I asked the Port Master, the Commander of the 6th PEDILS and our forces on the island to quickly move forward with the remaining port projects, prioritizing safety and, of course, serving our fellow citizens, islanders, and tourists. The image we present to the outside world is very important, but safety is above all,” stated the Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, during his visit to Mykonos.
Referring to the construction work underway in the old port next to the cruise ship, the Minister clarified that “This construction work cannot be prolonged indefinitely, as was planned until mid-August. It will be completed in the next 15 days, as I received the relevant assurances. And this is very important in the midst of the tourist season.”
And he added: “I will return to Mykonos together with my colleagues, the Secretary General, Mr. Kyriazopoulos and the entire Service, so that we can study step by step all the projects that are pending and decide, together with the Region and the Municipal Authority, what will be the way they should proceed and also, that the prioritization be done based on the emergency and prioritization and always in the autumn, winter and spring months. I would not like to see open projects in the summer in Mykonos, with all this tourist traffic. Our islanders and the Cycladic people are famous for their hospitality. As is known, millions of people will pass through the island again. I want this to be done in an orderly, safe, professional manner and for everyone to have an excellent tourist experience that will make them return to the island and our islands again and again.”
Mr. Kikilias, after thanking the Municipal Authority, the Vice-Region and his colleagues and MPs of Cyclades, Mrs. Monogiou and Mr. Fortomas for the hospitality on the island of Mykonos, emphasized that “Mykonos is an island that we recognize as the crowning glory of our tourism effort and our tourism product. And obviously, due to the very high demand for services on the island, we must act accordingly.”
The Minister, who was accompanied by the Secretary General of Shipping and Ports, Evangelos Kyriazopoulos and the Inspector General of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Christos Papakonstantinou, visited the Mykonos Port Authority where he was informed by the Commander of the 6th Division of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Admiral Panagiotis Karamitsas and the Port Authority, Lieutenant Commander Panagiotis Katsaras, on issues concerning the activity of the Region and the Port Authority and discussed with the Port Authority executives.
Afterwards, Mr. Kikilias went to the island’s Town Hall where he was welcomed by the Cyclades MPs, Katerina Monogiou and Philippos Fortomas, as well as the Mayor of Mykonos, Christos Veronis, and a meeting was held with the participation of representatives of the local government and local authorities on issues and questions concerning the local community, the needs and infrastructure of the island.
