For the third consecutive year, Costa Navarino started its operating season in February, making the goal of lengthening the tourist season a reality.

The popular tourist complex of Messinia got its 2016 season underway on February 21, welcoming the first German tourists from Munich and Dusseldorf. The first flight from the region of Scandinavia is scheduled to arrive on February 27.

Two additional companies will fly from Kalamata airport this year, connecting it with seven new destinations abroad.
From the new flights alone, the local economy of Messinia is set to benefit to the tune of €28.8 million.

Tourism in the region is expected to receive a boost with direct flights from London, which will increase accessibility to Messinia from transatlantic destinations as well.

A further boon will come from two direct flights from Rome and Milan, and four flights a week from Paris, Lyon and Nantes.

The two British Airways routes from London Heathrow will start operating from April 30 and May 5 respectively, offering flights to Kalamata until September 22 and 24.

Vueling’s flights from Rome will start on June 24 and will run until September 9.

Aegean Airlines will operate two flights from Copenhagen and Billund in Denmark from May 16 to October 24. It n addition, it will serve the route from Milan between June 12 and August 28.

Aegean Airlines will also operate two flights from Paris and one from Nantes between June 4 to October 1, and a flight from Lyon from May 31 to October 4.

According to official figures, Costa Navarino has triggered an increase in flights to Kalamata airport by 2,400%. From 40 flights in 2009, they now exceed 1,000 annually.

The benefits from increased flights are diffused throughout region, since 86.5% of passengers stay in hotels and smaller accommodations around the Peloponnese. The number of car rentals since 2009 has also tripled.

Originally published in Kathimerini newspaper