2023-08-10 15:01:44
Editorial RoomCurrent Affairs
Professional bodies of Ioannina and Crete, as well as the Municipality of Ioannina, are exerting concerted pressure, in order to immediately re-proclaim the barren air line Ioannina – Heraklion, with improved conditions for the airlines.
As is known, this line was included in a public service regime and the tender followed, without however there being any interest from the airlines that could potentially participate, and mainly the two Greek airlines.
In a letter to the 26 members of parliament from all the parties of Epirus and Crete, which is shared with the leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure, the administration of the Civil Aviation Service and the regional authorities of Epirus and Crete, the benefits of the air connection of the two regions, in a tourist and not only level, and their intervention is requested so that the Civil Aviation Authority can re-announce the tender with better conditions for the airlines, in order to undertake the specific transport project.
“The routing of this particular flight is very important for both Regions of our country, Epirus and Crete, which have inseparable historical ties”, note in their letter the Hotel Associations of Heraklion, Ioannina, and Chania, the Hotel Association of Rethymno, the Association of Tourist & Travel Agencies of Crete and the Association of Tourist Agencies & Buses of the Prefecture of Ioannina.
As they emphasize, this connection is considered imperative for the tourism development of the destinations throughout the year, as there is a great demand both ways for the organization of tourist packages, organized excursions of clubs and schools, but also for the movement of individual tourists. Also, for the movement of students studying at the two large regional universities of Ioannina and Crete, as well as for the smoother conduct of scientific and educational conferences, given that both destinations are venues for numerous conferences. Recently, they emphasize, both Epirus and Crete have become centers of technological development and innovation, with the establishment of numerous high-tech companies. The airline will also contribute to the movement of workers, seasonal and non-seasonal, as well as people who live permanently for financial or other reasons in these regions, given that the Epirotians have a large settlement in Crete, as do the Cretans, respectively, in Epirus. Finally, it is considered important for the development of commercial transactions between the two regions, while it will also be able to serve travelers from the neighboring regions of Epirus, who want to travel to Crete (Western Macedonia, Aetoloakarnania, Lefkada, Southern Albania), as well as travelers from nearby islands to Crete, with which they have a ferry connection, and want to travel to northwestern Greece.
“We are sure that you will see our request with due attention and we are at your disposal for any further clarification”, stress the professional associations of tourism.
The same request is addressed by the Federation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants of the prefecture of Ioannina, highlighting that the benefits from the air connection of the two regions are not limited to the tourism sector, but will have an impact on the local economy as a whole.
Priority also for the Municipality of Ioannito
The need to repeat the tender for the Ioannina-Heraklion flight with better conditions is emphasized by the mayor of Ioannina, Dimitris Papageorgiou, in his letter to the Commander of the Civil Aviation Authority, which is also communicated to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
“The Ioannina – Heraklion flight could be a new beginning for the airport and the region. The declaration of the tender as barren is a blow and leads to an indirect downgrading of the airport, which serves only one domestic flight to date. For our municipal authority, which made a huge effort to make the Ioannina-Tel Aviv line a reality, the air connection with Heraklion is a priority”, notes Mr. Papageorgiou.
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