Nisyros, Lesvos Thermal Springs on Greece’s Natural Resource List  

Thermal springs on the Greek islands of Lesvos and Nisyros have been recognized as natural resources by a joint ministerial decision this week.

More specifically, Environment Minister Kostas Skrekas and Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki approved the Lisvori Thermal Spring located in Western Lesvos and the Hippocrates Pantelidi Springs on Nisyros as valuable natural resources.

“Two more natural therapeutic resources have been recognized and added to the 80 documented resources throughout the country,” said Zacharaki, adding that the tourism ministry in cooperation with all relevant ministries, agencies and local communities, has prioritized the development of alternative forms of tourism with emphasis on spa and wellness tourism.

The ministry has set aside 28 million euros in RRF funding to be channeled into the sustainable development of the country’s thermal spring and spa infrastructure.

Greek Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki.

Last year, Greek lawmakers approved a tourism bill  which among others introduces tools that will enable public-private partnerships and sets out the terms of operation for destination management and promotion organizations (DMOs).

Titled “Standard Tourist Destinations of Integrated Management, Destination Management and Promotion Organizations, Thermal Springs of Greece, and Other Regulations for Tourism Development”, the law is aimed at stimulating cooperation between investors, private companies, and local stakeholders.