Karatzis Group, after its successful activities in the VIP private flights sector, with Panellenic Airlines, enters the cruise industry with the founding of Panellenic Lines, in collaboration with Dimitris Charitidis’ company, Time 4 Vacation, and the participation of CTRS (Cretan Transportation Services) of KTEL Heraklion.
This important investment which amounts to €5 million pertains to the acquisition of the Monohull High Speed speedboat from Hispanic Trans Mediterranean, with a capacity of 750 passengers and 180 vehicles, which will carry out daily cruises on the Heraklion-Santorini route. With the completion of the necessary maintenance and after the annual inspection at the port of Piraeus, totalling up to €1 million, Santa Irini sailed to Heraklion. Daily routes have already started, while she is expected to complete her cruises for the current season at the end of October.
The new routes were met with heightened interest from tourists and the islands largest travel agents alike, with Santorini being an especially popular destination for the travellers in Crete. The Group’s goal is the reinforcement of its presence in the region’s tourist map, while the venture is a springboard for its entrance in Sea Lines, starting from the next tourist season.
With regard to the new investment, Mr Antonis Karatzis, CEO and Managing Director of Karatzis Group, stated: “We are particularly pleased, that Karatzis Group of Companies, with its powerful presence in the high-end hospitality services sector, adds Panellenic Lines to its portfolio.This is an important step through which, in conjunction with our collaboration with Mr Charitidis’ Time 4 Vacation, we aim to upgrade Crete’s existing touristic product and the island’s connections with other popular island destinations.