Proposals Tabled for the Sustainable Tourism Development of Remote Regions in Greece

The Greek island of Tilos. Photo source: Visit Greece

The presentation of a set of proposals focusing on the importance and effects of sustainable tourism development for remote regions in Greece took place in Athens recently during a workshop held at the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH).

Addressing the event, Deputy Tourism Minister Elena Rapti underlined the importance of sustainability-focused polices that will ensure the natural environment is protected during peak tourism seasons while at the same time ensuring the efficient operation of local communities.

“Greece has the potential to become a pioneer in sustainable initiatives,” said Rapti referring among others to the example set by the island of Tilos, which is the first island to run completely on renewable energy and the first certified municipality achieving zero waste.

Greek Deputy Tourism Minister Elena Rapti.

Rapti said sustainability actions, policies and new educational programs were tourism ministry priorities and that relevant works would be funded out of a total of 387 million euros in resilience resources.

Also addressing the workshop, Technical Chamber of Greece President Giorgos Stasinos underlined the importance of biosecurity controls at hotels and of working together in this direction. Synergies and the quick implementation of works addressing climate change should be key priorities, he said.

“The challenge for the chamber is the most effective absorption of recovery and resilience funds in order to move forward. Engineers are at the heart of changes for resilience and we are at the disposal of tourism stakeholders,” he said.

HCH President Alexandros Vassilikos echoed Stasinos adding that cooperation is what “converts words into actions”. Changing the model and focusing on lesser-known destinations is necessary, he said, noting that 70 percent of tourism revenues are generated in 100 days and only five of the country’s 13 regions account for more than 82 percent of these revenues.

Lastly, Institute of Tourism Research and Forecasts (ITEP) President Konstantina Svinou said tourism development in Greece was not uniform across the country with remote destinations still lagging behind. She expressed hopes that more remote areas will be include in sustainable growth proposals which she hopes will soon become actions.