Greek PM Pledges 260 Upgrade Projects for Ionian Islands

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaking at a Corfu event. Photo source: @PrimeMinisterGR.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis presented a comprehensive plan which includes 260 projects many related to tourism for the Ionian islands, during his recent visit to Corfu.

As part of the Ionian Islands Regional Development Plan, Mitsotakis pledged the creation of modern infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity and safety and upgrading the quality of life of island communities. The Greek PM said the implementation of investments are expected to add more value to the region and the implementation of projects to support the primary sector and green transition.

Major tourism-related projects announced for the Ionian Island Region, home to popular tourist destinations like Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia, include the modernization of port infrastructure, key of which the development of a mega-yacht marina west of the cruise terminal on Corfu to cater to the needs of 98 yachts; the upgrade of the Limenas – Lefkimmi marina and the construction of a new marina in South Corfu; the concession of the Argostoli marina on Kefalonia; and the completion of the 100-berth tourist boat harbor in Vasiliki, Lefkada.

Corfu. Photo source: corfu.gr.

Mitsotakis also referred to infrastructure enhancements scheduled for the airports of Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos.

Other projects include the construction of an underwater tunnel in Lefkada, budgeted at 60 million euros to connect the island with the mainland; road works along the Argostoli – Poros axis on Kefalonia; water supply projects on Corfu; the construction of a seawater desalination plant on Paxi; the constuction of solid waste treatment and management facilities on Corfu (29.1 million euros), Zakynthos (17.5 million euros), and Kefalonia (8.8 million euros).

Lefkada Island, Ionian sea, Photo Source; Municipality of Lefkada.

Mitsotakis also announced that 84 million euros had been set aside for culture projects on the Ionian islands, including the restoration of archaeological sites, monuments and culture infrastructure.

These include the restoration and the Achilleion complex (13 million euros), the Foinikas Theater (6 million euros), Villa Rossa (4.2 million euros), three buildings in the Mon Repos estate (2.5 million euros), and the remodeling of the Museum of Asian Art on Corfu (2.4 million euros); the maintenance and restoration of the Monastery of Strofades on Zakynthos (13.9 million euros); the upgrade of the Argostoli Archaeological Museum (7.1 million euros) on Kefalonia; and the completion of the Lefkada Municipal Theater (6.5 million euros).

Zakynthos, Greece.

Lastly, Mitsotakis said major investments in tourism and the primary sector were in the pipeline for the Ionian Islands set to create jobs and value added. Currently, he said, private investments totaling 609.56 million euros were being implemented: 3.82 million euros in the primary sector, 9.78 million euros in manufacturing, 585.7 million euros in tourism and 10.26 million euros. euros in services.

Earlier this year, the Ionian Islands Region announced plans to open a Destination Management & Promotion Organization (DMMO) as part of its sustainable tourism growth strategy.