On Saturday a very interesting small seminar was organized by Spyrou Hotels and Companies about eco-tourism development on Skopelos; how visitors can enjoy the beautiful nature of Skopelos by walking and hiking on it. The meeting was very well attended and my (Daphne) impressions are written below.
An introduction was made by sales & marketing manager of Spyrou Hotel & Companies, Mr. George Michalis with an explanation about eco-tourism and which countries, especially in Europe, book these kind of holidays. He further explained that there are already several eco-friendly kinds of tourism on the island, like sea kayaking, diving and cycling. Heather Parsons was named as the person who has been trying to clear and maintain the footpaths on Skopelos. Mr. Michalis also stated that this kind of tourism makes it possible to expand the holiday months on the island. Most walking/hiking in Greece happens in spring and fall.
Mr. Dimitris Koutoulas from the university of Patras teaches tourism marketing there and has worked for many cities and islands and helped them to make a tourism marketing plan. Without a plan, good cooperation between everybody and a follow-up, many plans are not executed. This happens a lot in Greece, he said. He said that Skopelos is blessed with its beautiful nature and with a good marketing plan it can make the most of its amenities and this kind of tourism. He then showed examples of tourism marketing plans for his clients.
The next speaker was Mr. Ortwin Widman. He has been living on Skiathos for the last 15 years. He has slowly cleared most of the footpaths, first by himself and later with other volunteers. With the help of hotel owners he has published a book with walks in several languages and a map with the walks and every year more than a 1000 guests come to Skiathos to walk. He again stressed the fact that by working together in clearing the paths and with help of the municipality a lot can be accomplished.
Mr. Mario Janourakos (environmentalist) explained a program that he is leading, with money from the European Union, which offers Skopelos the opportunity to make new road signs and road maps explaining sights worth visiting on the island.
Mr. Christos Paleologos (high school teacher) explained about environment education.
Mayor Christos Vasiloudis stated that the municipality will try to help to to get this kind of tourism off the ground, and that a couple of years ago attempts had been made to start a diving centre here.
At the request of Mr. Michalis a group of volunteers was formed to start working on a plan for Skopelos. The evening was professional, organized and I want to congratulate Spyrou Hotels & Companies for taking this initiative. An initiative that can benefit everybody if we work together.
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