Panormo

There is no standing in the way of progress, even if 'progress' is not wanted by all. on Sunday 5th July 2008 there was a meeting held in our local beach resort of Panormo to discuss plans to remove the village beach and replace it with boat moorings. In addition some commercial premises (probably another Taverna) will be built on the other small beach area beyond the Anchor taverna. This might sound like an April fool's joke but unfortunately that is not the case. There is another small beach area only 200 metres further west and there is no disputing that the area between the village beach and the tavernas above is rough and in need of improvement. Exact details of the plans are sketchy but as far as I have been able to ascertain from the local Greeks the plans are driven by the authorities in Perama and are allegedly supported by the main politician in Panormo. (I am not sure if he is technically a Mayor). Many owners of existing cafes, tavernas and other tourism businesses are up in arms about the plans. Claims of corruption and decisions being made on the basis of personal financial gain have been made. These claims are of course totally unsubstantiated.

Aris Piliotopoulos's Greek Tourism Ministry is aiming to improve the tourism Infrastructure for 2009 and is putting particular emphasis on boating marinas. (Source Kathimerina Newspaper's Business & Finance section 18th July 2008). This may well be behind the push by local leaders to convert Panormo beach into a marina. Extra funds are being provided for promoting tourism. As an interesting aside the biggest increases in overseas visitors to Greece in the last 12 months are from Russia (35% up), Bulgaria (15% up) and China (15% up). Despite rumours to the contrary overall tourist numbers in early 2008 are up 3% compared to the same period last year.