Corfu, April 8, 2026 – The Belgian Ambassador to Greece, Marc Calcoen, made an official visit to Corfu yesterday, April 7, 2026, to foster stronger ties and explore opportunities for enhanced tourism between Belgium and the Greek island. Ambassador Calcoen was welcomed at the Historic Town Hall by Deputy Mayor for Sustainable Tourism Development and Public Relations, Spyros Halikiopoulos, Deputy Mayor for Culture, Nikos Vradis, and Special Advisor to the Mayor for Cultural Heritage, Aliki Katsarou.
Discussions on Corfu’s Rich Cultural Heritage and Easter Traditions
During the meeting, Ambassador Calcoen, accompanied by the Honorary Consul of Belgium in Corfu, Isabella Emmanouilidou, received a comprehensive briefing on Corfu’s unique cultural identity. A significant focus was placed on the island’s iconic Easter celebrations, which are internationally recognized and attract a substantial number of visitors each year.
Deputy Mayor for Culture, Nikos Vradis, highlighted Corfu’s long and rich cultural history and the multicultural influences that have shaped its identity. He emphasized, “Corfu is not merely a place with a rich historical legacy, but a dynamic cultural environment where different traditions have coexisted and co-shaped a distinct identity that continues to evolve and inspire.”
Managing Increased Tourism and Boosting Air Connectivity
The discussions also addressed the Municipality’s initiatives for the rational management of increased visitor flows during the Easter period. The Deputy Mayors underscored Corfu’s reputation as a safe, well-organized, and high-quality destination capable of accommodating a surge in tourism.
Deputy Mayor for Tourism, Spyros Halikiopoulos, noted that Belgium is one of Corfu’s most important source markets for tourists. He specifically mentioned the coordinated efforts of the Deputy Mayor’s office for Tourism, in collaboration with the island’s tourism and productive sectors, to extend the tourist season. As part of these efforts, the enhancement of air connectivity was highlighted, particularly through the establishment of two weekly flights on the London-Corfu route until January 5, 2027.
Ambassador’s Admiration and Commitment to Bilateral Relations
Ambassador Calcoen expressed his admiration for Corfu’s natural beauty and its distinctive architectural and cultural character, making special mention of the uniqueness of the Easter events. He also emphasized his strong interest in further strengthening bilateral relations and tourism flow between Belgium and Corfu.
The meeting was conducted in a warm and constructive atmosphere, reaffirming the commitment to further developing collaborations and strengthening relations between the two sides.
The Municipality of Central Corfu issued a statement regarding the visit, which also highlighted the importance of such diplomatic engagements for the island’s international profile.
