Astypalea and Halki star in the international tourism scene – They are the first two “green islands” of Greece

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Halki has a photovoltaic park and the residents no longer pay for electricity. In Astypalea the occupancy will reach 100% this year

Protagonists in the increase of their traffic but also of their recognizability in the international tourism scene will be the first two this year “Green islands” of Greece. Copper and Astypalea have gone up to “Train of their transition to full energy autonomy” and are already reaping the first fruits. Their recognition in the world tourism scene, as a result of the actions for their sustainability, which is accompanied by the cooperation of VW in Astypalea and Citroen for Halki, has an impact on the arrivals of foreign visitors.

With their statements to the Athenian Macedonian News Agency the mayors of the first two green islands of Greece and the Mediterranean give the stigma of the next day, which has already come for these islands. Specifically, they make special reference to how the arrivals of visitors will run this year, but also what is the imprint of “green growth” in the lives of residents.

Astypalea: Better than any other year this year – Fullness will reach 100%

In his statements to APE-MPE, its mayor Astypalea Nikos Komineas, states that “this year the occupancy is expected to be better than any previous season”. “We estimate that in the peak period, July – August, the occupancy in the accommodation will” reach “almost 100%. As for the period from Easter to June, the occupancy is around 60%. The same is expected for September, “from September 20 onwards, the gradual de-escalation of the tourist traffic is expected”, the mayor of Astypalea emphasizes.

Astypalea gives a new unique identity to the project related to sustainability – Visitors from Asia and Latin America

Referring to the pioneering project on sustainability, Mr. Komineas emphasizes that this has given a new character to the island, which over time is established with a positive sign in the consciousness of the people, giving a new unique identity to the “butterfly of the Aegean”. In fact, he notes that the impact that the innovative project has on the recognition of Astypalea is particularly important, greatly enhancing its popularity in relation to other destinations. “This is also proven by the new visitors of our island who come from places from which until now we did not have tourist traffic, such as the countries of Latin America and Asia.”

Visitors want to live the experience and become part of a model island

Regarding the visitors of the island, Mr. Komineas emphasizes that they respond very positively to the new services that have entered the daily lives of citizens. This is evident from their increased interest in renting an electric vehicle compared to renting a conventional vehicle. “Many of the tourists who visit the island want to be informed about the project, with the result that the daily movement to the information point we have created for this reason, is more than satisfactory. It is a fact that many are those who want to live “experience and become part of a model island on a global scale, which” moves “in the context of sustainability, circular economy and sustainability,” said the mayor.

As far as the inhabitants of the island are concerned, as the mayor notes, they respond very positively to the changes brought by the project, as now many of the permanent population have either purchased a new electric vehicle or are in the process of expressing interest in the market. of. Also after the start of the on demand public transport, the residents are very excited and use the new service on a daily basis, says Mr. Komineas

Halki: Great recognition from its proclamation as the 1st GR-Eco island

In his conversation with APE-MPE, the mayor of Halki Evangelos Fraggakis notes that the model of tourism that respects sustainability and offers long-term development in the place is a goal of the municipality. This goal, explains Mr. Fraggakis, has already begun to be realized due to the high readability of the island after its proclamation as 1st GR – Eco island. At this point he notes that the island of Halki can now host alternative forms of tourism.

Mr. Fraggakis points out that clearly the transformation of Halki into a green – smart island has already helped increase its tourist flows. “Apart from that, let us not forget that the island has cultural monuments such as the Clock and the Sareji which have been repaired and are now open to the public. In addition, it has a rich religious heritage, sailing opportunities, and great mountain walks for nature lovers,” he said. mayor of Halki.

Halki is high in the preferences of foreign visitors

Focusing on the development of this year, Mr. Fraggakis states that so far the tourist traffic on the island is evolving with optimism, a fact that particularly pleases the institutions and businesses of the place. “Certainly the good brand name that Halki builds every day through the innovations it implements helps in this. It is high in the preferences of tourists and as the businessmen of the island inform us, the reservations are full until the end of October. “Certainly the pandemic and the war do not leave much room for over-optimistic forecasts, but at the moment they do not seem to have affected the influx of tourists”, he notes.

Halki receives visitors from America, England, Sweden and Germany

As far as the countries of origin of the visitors are concerned, the island receives visitors from America, England, Sweden and Germany basically, the mayor explains and adds that the Greeks also love and visit our island. “Due to the relatively small capacity of beds, about 400, the island is suitable for tourism, wellness and relaxation, mental and physical health. “It is a type of tourism that modern man is looking for due to the stressful and demanding lifestyle and Halki can offer it generously”, he adds.

Halki has a 1 Mw photovoltaic park – Residents no longer pay for electricity

With a view to sustainability, the Municipality of Halki from the beginning designed a fully sustainable plan which was successfully implemented, as Mr. Fraggakis says. At the moment there is a 1 Mw photovoltaic park on the island which blocks the inexhaustible solar energy. “So we understand that the island produces electricity and through the process of virtual energy offsetting, the inhabitants of our island no longer pay for electricity. We are now talking about sustainable development which includes the environment, the economy, society and politics. “This achieves economic growth without destroying the environment, reduces operating costs for businesses and households and thus saves money,” according to the mayor.

The restoration of the Village of Halki is the next big plan for the island

Halki is an island traditional settlement and its architectural and urban characteristics are protected by law, incorporating local traditional techniques. Mainly old houses are being restored and no new ones are being built, Mr. Fraggakis emphasizes. “For this reason, one of the next programs is to start implementing the great idea of ​​the restoration of the Village of Halki. A monument dating back to before the 4th century BC, which can revive and develop the spirit and calm, to inspire inspiration for new ideas and contacts, to offer energy to give birth to creativity for new projects and businesses. At the same time, new jobs will be created and the employment prospects of the young people of our island will increase. In the meantime, the area can become energetically autonomous after the transformation of Halki into the 1st GR – eco Island “, the mayor states, among other things.

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