Skiathos Tourism Season Begins Earlier than Ever, Mayor Expects Bumper Year

Skiathos, main town. Photo source: Visit Greece

The Municipality of Skiathos, situated in the northwest Aegean Sea, has high expectations for tourism this year, according to the island’s mayor Thodoris Tzoumas.

The most cosmopolitan Northern Sporades destination, Skiathos last year welcomed approximately 450,000 domestic and international tourists.

According to the mayor, arrivals are expected to rise compared to 2023 considering that the island’s tourism season this year opened earlier than ever before.

“We received our first arrivals from Milan on April 1 and five days later welcomed visitors from Paris with the launch of flights by Transavia,” Mayor Tzoumas told journalists during a media briefing in Athens.

From the UK, one of the island’s leading inbound tourist markets, Skiathos this year will see 13 weekly flights operated by Jet2 and another 7 by easyJet. The municipality is also interested in establishing a direct air connection with Brussels this summer. Flights are also expected to commence from Spain from cities including Madrid and Barcelona.

Skiathos Mayor Thodoris Tzoumas speaking to Greek journalists in Athens. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

According to the mayor, the island is expected to receive visitors from a total of 38 cities from 17 countries in 2024. The island is also served with domestic flights by Greek carriers AEGEAN and SKY express.

“The extension of the tourism season is becoming a reality and it needs cooperation from all sides to succeed,” he said, adding that local businesses are slowly warming up to the idea to remain open beyond the peak season.

With regard to promotional actions to markets abroad, Tzoumas said the municipality makes sure to have a presence in international tourism exhibitions and also runs advertising campaigns.

According to data collected from the island’s entry points, last year 250,000 travelers from abroad arrived on flights to Skiathos from May to October. Another 200,000 people, mainly Greeks, arrived on the island by ferry from destinations including Volos, Thessaloniki, Mandoudi, Skopelos and Alonissos.

Skiathos also receives visitors from its marina that currently haves 120 berths to accommodate yachts. According to the mayor, a tender for the marina’s expansion to 450 berths is expected to launch in early 2025.

Cooperation with UN Tourism

Photo source: Visit Greece

During the briefing, Mayor Tzoumas said Skiathos’ sustainability plays a big part in the municipality’s strategy for the island’s tourism development.

“Skiathos is transforming its approach to tourism by prioritizing sustainability through international partnerships,” he said and highlighted the municipality’s cooperation with UN Tourism (formerly known as UNWTO).

Aiming to differentiate its tourism product and draw up a sustainable strategy based on future trends and international standards, the Municipality of Skiathos in 2022 formed a cooperation with UN Tourism, which sees the organization act as a technical advisor for the island’s tourism sector.

Skiathos is the first destination in Greece to seek scientific assistance from UN Tourism to ensure proper future tourism development.

Based on advancing people-first policies, the partnership saw the island receive guidance on accessibility.

“We have integrated accessibility planning into the municipality’s tourism policy as a priority with a focus on people with disabilities and vulnerable social groups,” Tzoumas said.

Zero waste project

Skiathos Mayor Thodoris Tzoumas. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

In addition, the mayor informed that the municipality recently launched the “Zero Waste Rota” project, which includes integrated actions aimed at reducing the waste produced by the island’s daily cruise vessels including on the beaches they visit. The project involves the adoption of preventive measures and an optimal strategy for sorting and recycling waste.

Tzoumas said the municipality’s aim is to raise awareness about the project and encourage vessel owners, workers, tourism professionals, and island visitors to join the effort in establishing new standards to reduce waste.

The “Zero Waste Rota” project is a joint effort of the Ecological Society of Recycling in collaboration with the Municipality of Skiathos with funding of 49,990 euros from the Green Fund, and co-financing of 15,000 euros from the Hellenic Recycling Utilization Company.

Bike Friendly destination

Photo source: Bike Friendly Hotels

Moreover, the mayor informed that the municipality’s tourism strategy also includes promoting Skiathos as an ideal destination for alternative tourism activites.

“This includes the creation of hiking and cycling paths to attract those tourists who love to walk or cycle around during their holidays,” he said.

It should be mentioned that the Municipality of Skiathos has been certified as a “Bike Friendly Destination” since 2020. The network of “Bike Friendly Destinations” in Greece consists of municipalities with a certification seal that stand out for their commitment to environmental protection; their efforts for sustainable tourism development; and their dedication to serving tourists/cyclists. The “Bike Friendly” program is under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, and the Ministry of Transport.

The Times last year placed Skiathos on its list of “15 Best Greek Islands to Visit in 2024” for its “forest-backed beaches”.