More than 100,000 visitors have been welcomed this year by the Kourtaliotiko Gorge in Crete, which has been operating under a new regime since the beginning of May. At the initiative of the Municipality of Agios Vasilios, the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of National Heritage, a new, organized operating model was launched, with the aim of ensuring the experience of visitors and the promotion and protection of the natural environment.
In particular, starting this year, entrance with a ticket was introduced, so that the revenues can be used to improve the infrastructure and the services provided, as well as to finance biodiversity conservation actions. In previous years, the very high and uncontrolled number of visitors had led to the degradation of the wetland, the alteration of the natural landscape and biodiversity, the accumulation of large amounts of waste and an increased risk of accidents and fires.
In a statement, the Mayor of Agios Vasilios, Mr. Yiannis Tatarakis said: “The new management model of the Kourtaliotis Gorge is already proving to be particularly successful. The institutionalization of the electronic ticket and the implementation of an institutional framework allows us for the first time to manage the flow of visitors in an organized manner, to effectively protect the unique natural environment and to secure resources for the maintenance and promotion of the infrastructure.
The first assessment of the new model is therefore absolutely positive and this is also due to our excellent cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and the Office of the President, Ms. Maria Papadopoulou and the CEO, Mr. Costas Triantis, with whom we managed to achieve this result today.
The number of visitors is enormous and constantly increasing, which confirms the need for organized access and modern access rules to such an important natural landmark.
With the establishment of the electronic ticket and the implementation of the institutional framework, we have achieved a double goal: on the one hand, we ensure the protection of the natural environment, and on the other, we create the foundations for sustainable tourism development with direct benefit for the local community.
We continue, with consistency and vision, to work for the exploitation of our natural wealth, with respect for the environment and in terms of sustainable development.
According to the CEO of OFYPEKA, Kostas Triantis, the Kourtaliotiko Gorge can be a model for the protection and promotion of our natural environment, as well as for local development. “I want to believe that other areas will follow its example. The operation of Kourtaliotiko to date is truly encouraging and we continue with Mayor Tatarakis in the implementation of new actions,” said Mr. Triantis
