Kountoura Sees Great Potential for Thessaly Region via Tourism

Ancient Theater, Larissa, Photo Source: Municipality of Larissa

Extending the tourism season, promoting new destinations, offering fresh experiences and attracting investment are fundamental to ensuring year-round sustainable tourism in the region of Thessaly, Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura said this week during the 4th Regional Conference on the Productive Reconstruction of Thessaly held in Larissa.

Kountoura invited all stakeholders to participate in the national effort to strengthen the Greek tourism product and called for proposals and ideas. The minister said the tourism ministry was working hand in hand with the Thessaly Region, municipalities, local chambers, hotelier associations and professionals to draw up and implement a localized strategy that will benefit the community and its economy.

Alternate Minister of Environment and Energy Socrates Famellos; Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura; Minister of Infrastructure and Transport; Thessaly Region Councilor Ioannis Boutinas.

Kountoura also referred to actions taken by the ministry to ensure connectivity of the region including the launch of flights between London and Skiathos, as well as Nea Anchialos links with Tel Aviv, Brussels and Munich.

“Aiming to ensure the rapid and competitive development of the region, we have entered negotiations and targeted partnerships with international tour operators and airlines to enhance connectivity for Skiathos and Nea Anchialos airports and for Thessaly destinations,” she said.

Linking tourism with primary production and the agri-food sector, as well as developing marine tourism focusing on cruise tourism to the ports of Volos, Skiathos and Skopelos, as well as creating underwater parks are also top priorities for the further development of the region, Kountoura said.

“There is great potential and many opportunities for Thessaly through tourism. We have a vision and a plan and we invite you to participate so that the regions of Thessaly and the local communities be supported with new jobs, fresh sources of income and professional activity,” she concluded.