Greece and Italy Unite for Rural Tourism

Greece and Italy formed an alliance for rural tourism development through the European Union initiative “Leader+.” The Leader+ program is one of four initiatives financed by European Union structural funds and is designed to help rural administartions consider the long-term potential of their local region.

The program encourages the implementation of integrated, high-quality and original strategies for sustainable development with a strong focus on partnership and networks of exchange of experience. “Eurovillages+” is comprised of ten members -eight development companies from Greece and two action groups from Italy- that form an inter-state project being implemented within the framework of the Leader+ community initiative. The objective of the Eurovillages+ project is to develop resilient, high quality tourism in the European countryside based on sustainable development in tandem with respecting local traditions and the environment. Eurovillages+ began with Leader II and its second phase is expected to be complete in June 2008.

With its completion tour packages would be available for a holistic rural experience in selected locations. These packages include guided tours, trekking, overnight stays in traditional accommodation, a taste of local produce and a variety of alternative forms of tourism from mountain locations to the adriatic coast.