Corfu, Greece – On February 15, 2026, the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, conducted a series of working meetings in Corfu, engaging with the Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Mayors, and various tourism and professional bodies. The visit underscored the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism development and enhancing the island’s appeal.
Discussions on Sustainable Tourism and Infrastructure
During her visit, Minister Kefalogianni held extensive discussions at the headquarters of the Ionian Islands Region with Regional Governor Mr. Ioannis Trepekles, Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy and Corfu MP Mr. Stefanos Gikas, and the Mayors of North and South Corfu, Mr. George Macheimaris and Mr. Ioannis Kavvadias. Key topics included sustainable tourism development, strengthening infrastructure, and extending the tourist season beyond the traditional summer months.
Emphasis was placed on upgrading tourism infrastructure to attract higher-quality visitors and on utilizing modern, digitized methods for targeted promotion of the island’s unique cultural, gastronomic, and natural heritage. The goal is to empower Corfu’s potential for year-round tourism.
Meeting with Central Corfu Authorities
Following these meetings, the Minister met at the Marasleion Palace with the Mayor of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands, Mr. Stefanos Poulimenos, and Deputy Mayor for Tourism, Mr. Spyridon Chalikiopoulos. Discussions here focused on strategic destination promotion, visitor management, and highlighting the city’s cultural identity.
Stakeholder Engagement and Ministry Initiatives
A broad meeting with tourism stakeholders took place at the Ionian Academy. Representatives from hotels, travel agencies, professional associations, and chambers presented proposals and concerns, with a focus on improving the quality of services, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and enhancing infrastructure.
The Minister highlighted the Ministry’s targeted actions to support tourism education and training at the SAEC Corfu, including increased educational and administrative staff for the academic year 2026-2027. Additionally, applications recently opened for the Ministry of Tourism’s intensive tour guide programs in collaboration with the Ionian University.
Furthermore, Minister Kefalogianni emphasized the need to support existing small and medium-sized tourism businesses, and proposals for the new NSRF 2028-2034 will be made in this direction. She also provided updates on tourism infrastructure projects advanced by the Ministry to enhance the overall quality of the island’s tourism product. These include a 4.5 million euro funding for the Gouvia Marina in Central Corfu, part of a total 10 million euro investment project, and funding for updating studies for the Fioroula Marina in Pentati, South Corfu.
Site Visit to Imerolia Kassiopi
In line with the objective of upgrading tourism infrastructure, the Minister visited the Imerolia Kassiopi area in the North Corfu municipality. A site inspection and briefing were conducted to advance the location planning for a new marina in the area.
Optimistic Outlook for Greek Tourism
In a statement, Ms. Kefalogianni stressed: “2025 was the best year ever for Greek tourism, with a particularly significant increase in revenue, demonstrating that we are progressively winning the bet on the qualitative upgrade of Greek tourism. For the main target markets of Greek tourism, Corfu is a priority. Therefore, in collaboration with airlines and tour operators, efforts are being made to strengthen the island’s tourism development on sustainable terms. Overall, for the island of Corfu, the aim is to promote tourism infrastructure related to maritime tourism and yachting, which enhance the attraction of quality tourism and extend across all seasons of the year. Corfu has all the capabilities to develop beyond the main tourist season and become a destination accessible 12 months a year.”
The Ministry of Tourism remains in continuous cooperation with Local Government and productive bodies, aiming to formulate a comprehensive plan that will strengthen the island’s competitiveness and ensure the long-term prosperity of the local community. The Minister was accompanied by the Secretary General of Tourism Policy and Development, Ms. Vasiliki Koutsoukou.
Source: https://www.tourismtoday.gr/%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%AF%CF%83%CE%BA%CE%B5%CF%88%CE%B7-%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82-%CF%85%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%81%CE%B3%CE%BF%CF%8D-%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CE%BC%CE%BF%CF%8D-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD/
