Kalliopi Vetta: Corfu Suffocates from Lack of Infrastructure and Sustainable Tourism Plan
Corfu, February 17, 2026 – Kalliopi Vetta, Member of Parliament for Kozani and SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance Shadow Minister for Tourism, recently concluded a series of meetings in Corfu, where she addressed the pressing issues faced by the island’s tourism sector. Vetta engaged with representatives from local government, tourism and professional bodies, and employee representatives, culminating in a central speech at a SYRIZA P.S. Corfu event titled “Problems and Prospects of Corfu’s Tourism Development.”
During her visit, Ms. Vetta met with the Mayor of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands, Stefanos Poulimenos, at the Marasleio, with the presence of the President of the Municipal Council, Fontas Alamanos. Also participating in the meeting were Christos Moraitis, Coordinator of the SYRIZA Regional Committee, and Kostas Pavlidis, a member of the Central Committee. The discussions focused on critical aspects of tourism, which serves as the primary pillar of the local economy.
Infrastructure Deficiencies and Environmental Pressures
A significant point of emphasis was the disparity between the rapid growth of tourism investments and the dramatic lagging of public infrastructure. Key issues highlighted included the road network, lack of necessary parking spaces, acute traffic problems, water supply, waste management, energy sufficiency, and the exorbitant cost of transportation. These factors constitute sharp challenges for the local community. The discussions also underscored the lack of adequate funding for municipalities, which are tasked with meeting increased needs due to high visitor numbers without corresponding resources.
Ms. Vetta expressed particular interest in the progress of the Waste Processing Unit construction, the renovation work at the Achilleion, and the prospect of creating a Mega Yacht Marina. The conversation also extended to the challenges faced by tourism sector employees and the shortage of human resources.
Subsequently, the MP met with the Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Giannis Trepekli, at the headquarters of the Ionian Islands Region. During this meeting, they discussed the extensive damage caused by recent severe weather events, the state of infrastructure, tourism preparations for the new season, and the long-standing issue of water supply.
Call for Sustainable Development and Crisis Management
In broader meetings with tourism bodies, guides, employees, and organization representatives, the issue of the island’s carrying capacity was strongly raised. The high visitor numbers, combined with the stagnation of critical projects and intensified climatic phenomena, create serious challenges for the daily lives of both residents and visitors.
Furthermore, the consequences of uncontrolled growth in the tourism sector and environmental pressures from unregulated construction were brought to light. Special mention was made of the need to ensure labor rights and dignified working conditions for those employed in tourism.
As Ms. Vetta emphasized, tourism is a high value-added activity with a significant contribution to GDP. However, it requires comprehensive planning, control, investment in infrastructure, and a clear framework for sustainable development, with respect for the environment and the local community.
The MP pointed out that enhancing the resilience of the tourist destination is now a strategic priority, as it necessitates action on multiple levels, such as the existence of integrated crisis management plans that allow for the rapid adaptation of businesses and bodies. The transition to alternative and thematic development models beyond the one-dimensional “sun and sea” paradigm is also necessary to extend the tourist season, decongest destinations, and ensure a fair distribution of benefits.
From the discussions, it became clear that the vast majority of the community expresses strong concern about the existing development model and urgently calls for a transition to a more balanced, resilient, and fair model of tourism development that will ensure the sustainability of the destination and the quality of life for residents.
Source: tourismtoday.gr
