Two Greek Islands Hit By Refugee Influx to Receive Extra Tourism Promotion

Harbor, Kos

The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) on Thursday announced the formation of tourism working groups on Kos and Lesvos to help boost the image of both islands in markets abroad. Kos and Lesvos are among the islands in Greece that have experienced the greatest influx of refugees and migrants this year.

The tourism working groups, which will be consisted of local and professional representatives from each island, will cooperate directly with the GNTO to launch a strategy of actions and initiatives to strengthen the promotion of the islands.

The working groups will also assist with the island’s participation in international exhibitions and help spread the word of their particular features.

The creation of the tourism working groups on Kos and Lesvos was announced after the Tourism Ministry’s alternate general secretary, Gerasimos Zacharatos and the GNTO president, Elissavet Chatzinikolaou, visited the islands and held meetings with local and professional bodies.

Similar actions for other islands of the South Aegean are expected to follow.

Earlier this month it was decided that the Tourism Ministry and the GNTO would launch targeted promotional actions for the islands that are currently being used as a gateway to mainland Greece by thousands of refugees and migrants.