- On the occasion of World Tourism Day on Saturday, September 27, 2025, the Deputy Mayor for Sustainable Tourism Development of the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands Spyros Halikiopoulos made the following statement:
“World Tourism Day is always an opportunity to reflect on the importance of this crucial sector for our country.
For Corfu, tourism is not only the main source of income and development – it is the driving force of our local economy.
Thousands of families rely on it, while at the same time it strengthens dozens of other sectors, from gastronomy and transport, to agriculture, culture and creative industries.
But tourism is also much more than an economy. It is a social and cultural phenomenon that brings people and cultures together. It opens horizons, cultivates understanding and respect for cultural heritage, and enables us to share our identity with the rest of the world.
This year’s theme for World Tourism Day, “Sustainable Transition”, reminds us that tourism is at the forefront of the global effort for sustainability. Because respect for nature and cultural heritage – which are also tourism resources – are the foundations on which tourism development is built. In Corfu we are already seeing examples: hotels and businesses that implement green practices, participate in international sustainability labels and invest in new technologies to reduce their environmental footprint.
Transition to sustainable tourism
From the Municipality’s perspective, the sustainable transition to tourism is a strategic goal. With the People Flows program that is currently underway and with the Carrying Capacity Study that we have already announced, we are taking important steps to manage the destination with respect for the city, residents and visitors. At the same time, by utilizing the cruise fee, we will take initiatives and implement actions that will strengthen the direction of sustainable tourism development.
Equally important is the effort to extend the tourist season. Reducing seasonality is key to sustainability.
For this reason, together with other tourism stakeholders, we are in discussions with airlines so that international flights can continue during the winter season, giving life to our economy and society all year round.
Tourism was, is and will remain a human affair. And only if it is based on the principles of sustainability, will it continue to be a source of life and progress for future generations.”
