Ecotourism Development Tops Minister’s Agenda on Lesvos

The development and potential of ecotourism and geotourism topped Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki’s recent visit to the Greek island of Lesvos.

Zacharaki, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Environmental Protection Giorgos Amyras, visited the Petrified Forest of Lesvos, an UNESCO Global Geopark, where she met with experts and discussed ways to incorporate the area into the tourism product while at the same time safeguarding the environment and the ecosystem.

The two ministers were also given a tour of Kalloni Bay and the Museum of Industrial Olive-Oil Production of Lesvos.

Zacharaki also visited the island’s vaccination center, where she was briefed on the vaccination progress and coverage.

The deputy tourism minister met with North Aegean Region Governor Kostas Moutzouris, Mytilene Mayor Stratis Kytelis, council and tourism board members and stakeholders with whom she discussed ways to tap into recovery funds for the upgrade of island and regional infrastructure, training programs for tourism professionals and emerging trends in tourism.

She also spoke with tourism professionals about financial tools to support post-Covid recovery for both individuals and businesses and referred to Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) promotional actions for the region.