UNWTO to Help Skiathos Island Rethink and Restart Tourism

Skiathos island. Photo source: ec.europa.eu

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced a new partnership with the Municipality of Skiathos as part of its commitment to support and work with communities as they prepare to welcome visitors back and realize the potential of tourism to kickstart recovery and drive sustainable and inclusive growth.

A Greek island in the northwest Aegean Sea, Skiathos is part of the Sporades island group.

The organization’s new partnership with the island’s municipality will be based on advancing people-first policies.

As Skiathos’ tourism sector restarts and recovers from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, UNWTO will work alongside the island’s local authorities on a package of technical advice and practical assistance.

“For decades, tourism has been a pillar of economic growth and opportunity for the residents of Skiathos, one of Europe’s leading destinations,” the UNWTO said.

Adapting tourism marketing strategy in light of Covid-19 impact

In the immediate term, UNWTO experts will work with the Municipality of Skiathos to assess the marketing strategy of the island and recommend adaptations and necessary improvements, with a particular emphasis on the destination’s commitment to using tourism as a driver of sustainable development.

Getting island residents more involved

At the same time, and in order to ensure the sector works for everyone on Skiathos, UNWTO will also study local residents’ views on tourism and assess how they can be more involved in tourism planning and development.

The cooperation with the Municipality of Skiathos represents the first Technical Assistance package developed by UNWTO in Greece.

Skiathos Mayor Thodoris Tzoumas welcomed the UNWTO’s initiative as a significant collaboration regarding the island’s tourism recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“With the synergy and support from the leading bodies of the world and our country when it comes to tourism, we are certain that we will manage to achieve the best results to everyone’s benefit,” Mayor Tzoumas said.

According to the UNWTO, through its Technical Assistance packages, the organization is on the ground in every global region.

“As restrictions on travel continue to be steadily eased or lifted, UNWTO is shifting its focus from supporting its Members as they mitigate the impacts of the historic crisis to rethinking tourism’s longer-term role in building resilience and providing opportunity,” the UNWTO said.