Corfu, Greece – The Corfu Hoteliers’ Association has formally requested Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to immediately return all revenues collected this year from the “Climate Change Resilience Fee” to the three municipalities of the Corfu Regional Government. The association highlights that the island has repeatedly faced extreme weather events and severe damage to its infrastructure in recent years, necessitating urgent financial support.
Corfu Grapples with Repeated Extreme Weather Events
In their letter, the Association emphasized that over the past five years, Corfu has been severely affected by heavy flooding and rainfall. These events have caused significant disruptions to the daily lives of residents and have placed an immense burden on the island’s already outdated and inadequate public infrastructure. The damage extends to both private properties and facilities, as well as critical road networks and technical works across the island, all of which require immediate and substantial interventions.
According to the Hoteliers’ Association, local government bodies currently lack the necessary financial resources to effectively manage the extensive damage. Furthermore, the process of approving and implementing crucial projects through co-responsible ministries is often protracted and time-consuming. The frequent response of “no money available” has, as noted by the association, led to prolonged delays in addressing these vital interventions.
A Leading Tourist Destination Cannot Be Left Behind
“A leading tourist destination in the country, such as Corfu, cannot be left on hold,” the Association underscored in their communication. They stressed the urgent need for immediate, targeted, and rational solutions to restore normalcy and significantly upgrade the island’s infrastructure, which is crucial for both its residents and its thriving tourism industry.
Consequently, the hoteliers are appealing to the government for the return of all revenues generated from the Resilience Fee. This fee, paid by visitors staying in Corfu hotels, is requested to be exclusively allocated for the benefit of the island’s municipalities and specifically for emergency restoration projects. The letter explicitly states that these funds should be directed towards improving road networks, enhancing critical infrastructure, and implementing measures to protect Corfu against future extreme weather events.
To ensure proper accountability and exclusive use of these funds, the Association also requests that the allocation of resources be under the strict control of the competent ministries. The Union expressed its confidence that the Prime Minister will carefully consider their request, which they describe as “fair” and absolutely crucial for the long-term resilience and future prospects of the island.
Key Figures Behind the Appeal
The letter bears the signatures of Konstantinos Merianos, President of the Corfu Union, and Haris Maniatopoulos, its General Secretary, signifying the unified stance of the island’s hoteliers on this critical issue.
The call for the return of the Resilience Fee comes at a time when Corfu, a jewel of the Ionian Sea, is striving to maintain its status as a premier tourist destination amidst increasing environmental challenges. The association’s plea underscores the urgent need for sustainable strategies and robust financial mechanisms to protect and enhance the island’s natural and built environment, ensuring its continued prosperity for both residents and visitors alike.
