Zakynthos’ Hoteliers Applaud Announcement of Management Agency for Shipwreck Site

Navagio beach, photo Source: Municipality of Zakynthos

Hoteliers on the island of Zakynthos have applauded a new bill recently tabled in parliament by the Tourism Ministry that foresees the establishment of a management agency for the island’s Shipwreck beach, also known as “Navagio”.

A long-standing request of the island’s hoteliers associations, the Zakynthos Shipwreck Management and Operation Agency is expected to provide solutions to a number of issues concerning the preservation and operation of the site and contribute to its proper and safe management, and promotion.

According to an announcement by the island’s hoteliers associations, the new bill “recognizes the actual value of one of the most popular sites in Greece that attracts a large number of visitors”, and will unite Zakynthos’ local and tourism stakeholders to work together for the site’s preservation and promotion.

The tourism ministry said the agency would focus on addressing issues of safety as well as of conflict of interest among local stakeholders and authorities which have hampered all forms of intervention leaving the site “not sufficiently exploited”.

It should be mentioned that last year, Zakynthos authorities, including the island’s Holy Metropolis which has jurisdiction over Shipwreck beach, submitted to the tourism ministry and relevant forestry department, a plan for the overhaul of the area in the aftermath of a landslide incident. The plan includes a u-shaped skywalk offering safe access from above.