More than 100 hotels will stay open this winter in Santorini, supporting the national effort for 12 months Greek tourism season, by starting with the most popular Greek island in the world, according to international surveys.
Shops will also remain operational, so that tourists do not feel that the island underperforms.
Additional benefits
As Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos pointed out while presenting the “Santorini all year round destination” initiative at an event in the Acropolis Museum today, “the island has all the features that guarantee to attract visitors throughout the year“.
In recent years, he added, the number of hotels that operate continuously has sharply increased, benefiting additional sectors of business such as the wider tourism industry, catering, entertainment etc.
Rational management of wealth
This effort will be assisted essentially by the fact that Santorini’s air connection with Athens during the winter season, will be serviced by at least five large aircraft daily, which, along with the reliable and more economical ferry service ensures the transfer of those wishing to visit the island.
Mr.Zorzos underlined the need for rational management of the wealth of Santorini, as the infrastructure of the island has to accept the burden of increasing numbers of tourists each year.
Holistic treatment
“The carrying capacity of the island has problems. One objective is to define the framework for sustainable development with environmental protection“, said the Mayor, adding that the island’s Municipality should be given funds from the central government for the holistic treatment of this issue.
Santorini has now to face urban type problems such as traffic congestion, illegal parking, the increasing needs for water, energy, water and solid waste management, the excessive number of visitors, especially those visiting the island for a few hours by cruise etc.
The strategic vision of Santorini, as presented by Mr.Zorzos is a new tourism development model where all stakeholders have a specific role to perform, with clear rules of the game from the start. “We want the local community to have the opportunity to set the framework and the rules of the game clearly in consultation and cooperation with the State and the market professionals,” he noted.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations
READ MORE HERE: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations
