Deloitte Plan for Astypalea Paves Way for Sustainable Growth

Photo Source: @Municipality of Astypalea

Aiming for sustainable growth and development that will transform the Greek island of Astypalea into an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable destination for residents and tourists is at the core of a strategic development plan developed pro-bono by Deloitte Greece within its corporate social responsibility actions.

Dubbed “Astypalaia 4.0”, the plan presented to the press this week focuses on four key areas, namely the development and improvement of infrastructure, enhancing local economy and entrepreneurship, actions towards sustainability and environmental protection, and digital transformation and networks upgrade. It also includes 18 strategic actions.

Deloitte Greece CEO Dimitris Koutsopoulos said the plan defines the vision and direction for the future development of the island, setting clear priorities and strategic goals for the implementation of a long-term growth plan. This, he said, will create value added for the island and contribute to the local community and economy.

To be implemented over a five-year period, the plan sets the groundwork for cooperation between key stakeholders in tourism, business, local government, community and state.

Among others, digital technologies are set to enhance the competitiveness of the island and create new opportunities for growth as well as reach out to new tourist markets and create the conditions to attract digital nomads. The project is a joint initiative between Deloitte and Axion Hellas.

Deputy Minister for Economic Diplomacy and Openness Kostas Fragogiannis referred to another pioneering project set to establish Astypalea as a model for climate-neutral mobility: the agreement between Greece and Volkswagen Group for the materialization of a six-year project aimed replacing the Dodecanese island’s current transport system with electric vehicles.