Aphrodite Vati, Deputy Mayor of Tourism & Green Western Lesvos, talks about the inauguration of the Schengen Gate at the port of Petra Lesvos on June 1st, about the tourist traffic in the summer months and finally for her offer, her own hero. “

According to Greenpeace’s website, Aphrodite Vatis Mariola, hotelier and English teacher in Molyvos, recalls: “From April 28, when the first boat came out on the beach of our hotel, we have been helping refugees and Full Time immigrants. If we calculate that there are at least 7 to 8 boats on our beach daily, we have helped thousands of people to date. 6 to 7 hours a day, every day, we work with refugees and immigrants arriving on our beaches. We give them water, something to eat, warm clothes, and then transport them with our personal cars to Molyvos to continue their journey to the Refugee and Migrant Reception Center to Mytilene. Our daily lives have now changed. We are constantly on the alert near the beaches and help as everyone can come out. When I see a boat approaching the shore I forget what I did and I run to help. Especially when I see young children, pregnant women and old people in them … I don’t think there is a man who would not help in such extreme situations. You help with your heart, without expecting thank you and rewards. You try to make the lives of others easier by putting yourself in their own position. You show an understanding of what the other is going through. This for me is the Greek philanthropy“

As for the inauguration of Schengen Gate: The Government Gazette was published in the Government Gate to operate the ports of Plomari and Petra Lesvos as Schengen entrance gates for 2025. Sunday 1st June will be inaugurated in Petra Lesvos. The port is located near Adramitto, Turkey. This decision confirms the strategic importance of the port. This functions as a key hub of Lesvos with the Turkish coast. Everything is ready for the full operation of Express Visa for visitors from Turkey. Which is expected to significantly boost tourism and the local economy. The maintenance of Schengen input gates acts as an extroversion catalyst for Lesvos. This reinforces the local economy, tourist flows and the island’s international profile).