Actions Announced To Protect Tourism Reputation Of Earthquake-Stricken Kefalonia

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni extended the Greek Government’s sympathies to residents affected by the two recent strong earthquakes that rocked Kefalonia Island.

At an emergency meeting held on the island on 4 February and attended by Ministers, local authority representatives and tourism professionals, Mrs. Kefalogianni emphasized the important role tourism plays in the development of the local economy.

Actions

The Tourism Ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) will launch a series of actions to promote Kefalonia’s good tourism image to markets abroad.

According to the tourism minister, the actions will include the development of a specific communication policy to support the island’s image; the online promotion of the island; and the promotion of Kefalonia as a safe destination at all major international exhibitions including those in Milan, Berlin and Moscow.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni

Mrs. Kefalogianni said the ministry will be in constant contact with all GNTO offices abroad so foreign journalists and travel agents will receive correct updates and information on the island’s situation.

“Kefalonia is a global and popular tourism destination and its economy depends directly on tourism,” she said after visiting Lixouri and the Palliki area where she observed the damage made to port facilities.

Mrs. Kefalogianni assured that the ministry will do everything possible to protect the island’s tourism reputation. “Tourism once again will show its strength for the support and development of the Greek region,” she said.

The tourism ministry has announced that the GNTO’s secretary general, Panos Livadas, will remain on Kefalonia over the next few days and be available to the island’s tourism professionals.

A state of emergency was declared on Kefalonia on Sunday 26 January when a 5.9 Richter earthquake shook the island and caused extensive damage. It was followed by a second strong earthquake on Monday 3 February causing further damage.