International Tourism Conference in Kythira: Initiative on Carrying Capacity
Source: Tornos News
The International Conference on Tourism Development and Carrying Capacity of Infrastructure was successfully held in Kythira, an initiative of the Municipality of Kythira that brings to the fore one of the most critical issues of modern tourism policy: how can an island develop without losing its balance.
The conference, which took place on October 16 and 17, was under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Insular Policy, the Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Region of Attica. The event attracted intense interest, as it was the first international conference in Greece dedicated specifically to the carrying capacity and resilience of tourist destinations.
The opening session was attended by the Mayor of Kythera Efstratios Charchalakis, the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas and the MEP Evangelos Meimarakis, both via online connection, the President of the Committee of the Regions of the Parliament Manos Konsolas, the Secretary General of Island Policy Emmanuel Koutoulakis and the President of the Tourism Development Committee of the Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry Antonis V. Kambourakis, as well as academics, researchers and local government executives from all over Greece and abroad.
The presence of elected representatives and representatives of municipalities and regions from every corner of the country and other European regions was particularly important, confirming the pan-Hellenic and international nature of the initiative, as well as the need for a common, evidence-based dialogue on the future of tourism and the sustainability of local communities.
The scientific editor was Professor Emeritus of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Thessaly, Haris Kokkosis, while distinguished academics such as Ioannis Psycharis, Kimon Hatzimpiros and Pavlos Marinos Delladetsimas participated in the work.
The thematic sections included the management of tourist pressure, the resilience of infrastructure, the climate adaptation of island regions and the relationship of tourism with the local society and economy.
Among the presentations, the presentation by Mr. Ioannis Bras, CEO of Five Senses Consulting, on the balanced development of luxury cruising and the prospects for the exploitation of diving parks stood out. His presentation highlighted the possibilities of sustainable diversification of marine tourism and the need to link it with the protection of the natural environment, proposing a development model that strengthens the local economy with respect for ecosystems.
The Mayor of Kythera, Mr. Efstratios Charchalakis, stated:
“Kythera has chosen a path of development that is based on knowledge, participation and realism. We do not seek more visitors at any cost, but a better experience for everyone, with respect for the strengths of our place. This conference is not just an organization, but the beginning of a collective effort that we want to continue and produce results.”
The initiative of the Municipality of Kythira is already internationally recognized, as it attracts scientific and institutional interest from foreign bodies and highlights the island as a model of island governance and rational planning.
An important innovation of the conference was the participation of the local community itself: in the last session, residents and businessmen of the island had the opportunity to intervene, express positions and contribute to the formation of the final conclusions of the conference.
With an eye on sustainable development and the preservation of the authenticity of the place, Kythira proved that even a small island can play a leading role in the international dialogue on the future of tourism.
The original article: Tornos News .
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