Next Step for Symi Island: Sustainable Tourism Upgrade

Creating the conditions that will define Symi as a destination with a strong environmental footprint and investing in digital infrastructure are key to establishing the Greek island on the tourism map, said Deputy Tourism Minister Manos Konsolas this week.

“Symi’s tourist identity must be identified with the concepts of quality and sustainability,” said Konsolas, speaking at a local event on the issue of “Clean Energy for the Islands of the European Union”.

Konsolas referred to the tourism ministry’s priorities for the coming years: namely investing in quality, greener practices, digital services, and alternative forms of tourism.

The island of Symi should prepare to upgrade its tourism product in this direction, he said, by tapping into the government’s recovery package as well as other EU funding options to be made available in the coming period.

Deputy Tourism Minister Manos Konsolas

“The majority of tourist accommodation facilities on Symi are in the lower categories. This means that there is a need to upgrade. It means launching bids and financing programs through the Recovery Fund and newly available EU tools that will finance business plans aimed at upgrading and modernizing tourist accommodation,” he said.

The minister also referred to two EU subsidy schemes running through October 30 supporting small, medium-sized and large businesses operating in the Dodecanese region.

The programs fund energy, technology and extension upgrades as well as business plans focusing on agritourism and the production of local products and gastronomy.

Konsolas went on to add that upcoming support schemes will cover upgrades in smart technologies and RES.

Earlier this week, Konsolas visited Astypalea, which he said can lead the way in Greece’s ‘green’ transition while re-branding as a wellness destination.