Rebuilding Evia’s Tourism Identity a GNTO Priority

Megali Ammos, Evia, Greece.

Rebuilding Evia’s tourism identity, restoring the natural environment, and upgrading infrastructure are the next steps that will create a new, brighter future for the country’s second largest island, said Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis during his recent visit to Halkida.

Fragakis met with regional officials, island mayors, and tourism professionals to discuss the regeneration of Northern Evia, which was devastated by massive fires in the summer of 2021, after the finalization of a master plan presented earlier this month.

GNTO General Secretary Dimitris Fragakis (left) during his visit with regional officials of Evia. Photo source: GNTO

Fragakis said the Tourism Ministry and the GNTO would be part of efforts budgeted at 700 million euros set to redefine and reestablish the island on the international tourism map.

“Evia is a top priority for the tourism ministry and the GNTO with regard the promotion of its tourist product through a structured plan and a total budget of 700 million euros and the implementation of 71 projects,” he said, adding that the projects under the plan are a “golden opportunity to redefine Evia’s tourist product”.

Fragakis said upgraded infrastructure, including the new Psachna–Istiaia roadway, the sustainable creation of a new forest and enhancing the local tourist product with alternative forms of tourism would contribute to the rebranding of Evia.

Evia, Greece.

He went on to refer to GNTO initiatives in the aftermath of the fires aimed at supporting the fire-hit island including covering the costs of the region’s participation at international tourism exhibitions and the implementation of the Evia Pass. Fragakis added that the GNTO and its 17 branches abroad will cover the promotion of Evia through FAM and press trips organized in collaboration with regional authorities, local municipalities and the Chamber of Evia.

Lastly, Fragakis said all GNTO actions will be carried out in cooperation with local tourism stakeholders and residents.