Astypalaea and Halki with sustainability leading the way in visitor arrivals this year

The first two “green islands” of Greece will be the protagonists in the increase of the number of visitors and their visibility in the international tourist scene this year. Chalki and Astypalaia have boarded the “train of transition to full energy autonomy” and are already reaping the first fruits. Their visibility on the global tourism scene, as a result of their sustainability actions, accompanied by the cooperation of VW in Astypalaia and Citroen for Halki, is also having an impact on foreign visitor arrivals.

In their statements to the Athens Macedonian News Agency, the mayors of the first two green islands of Greece and the Mediterranean set the tone for the next day, which has already arrived for these islands. Specifically, they make special reference to how visitor arrivals will run this year, but also what is the imprint of “green growth” on the lives of the residents.

Astypalaia: Better than any other year this year - Occupancy will reach 100%

In his statements, the mayor of Astypalea Nikos Komineas, says that «this year's occupancy rates are expected to be better than any previous season». “We estimate that in the peak season, July - August, the occupancy rate in the accommodation will «touch» almost 100%. As for the period from Easter to June, the occupancy is in the 60% range. The same is expected for September, where from September 20 onwards, the gradual deceleration of tourist traffic is expected”, stresses the mayor of Astypalaia.

New unique identity gives Astypalaia a new identity with the project on sustainability - Visitors from Asia and Latin America

Referring to the pioneering project on sustainability, Mr.Komeneas stresses that this has given a new character to the island, which over time has been established with a positive sign in the consciousness of the world, giving a new unique identity to the “butterfly of the Aegean”. In fact, he notes that the impact of the innovative project on the visibility of Astypalaia is particularly significant, greatly enhancing its popularity compared to other destinations. “This is also evidenced by the new visitors to our island who come from places from which we have not had tourist traffic until recently, such as Latin American and Asian countries”.

Visitors want to experience and become part of a model island

As far as visitors to the island are concerned, Mr.Komeneas stresses that they respond very positively to the new services that have entered the daily life of citizens. This can be seen from their increased interest in renting an electric vehicle compared to renting a conventional vehicle. «Many of the tourists visiting the island want to get information about the project, and as a result, the daily traffic at the information point we have created for this purpose is more than satisfactory. It is a fact that many are those who want to experience and become part of a model island on a global scale, which «moves» in the context of sustainability, circular economy and sustainability, »says the mayor.

As far as the residents of the island are concerned, they, as the mayor notes, are responding very positively to the changes brought by the project, as many of the permanent population have either purchased a new electric vehicle or are in the process of expressing interest in purchasing one. Also since the launch of on demand public transport, residents are very enthusiastic and are using the new service on a daily basis, says Komeneas.

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

The mayor of Halki Evangelos Fragakis notes that the model of tourism that respects sustainability and offers long-term growth in the place is the aim of the municipality. This goal, explains Mr. Fragakis, has already started to be realized due to the high visibility of the island after its declaration as the 1st GR - Eco island. At this point he notes that the island of Halki can now accommodate alternative forms of tourism.

Mr Fragakis points out that clearly and the transformation of Halki into a green - smart island has already helped to increase its tourist flows. «In addition, let's not forget that the island has cultural monuments such as Rologoi and Saretzi, where repairs have been completed and are now open to visitors. In addition, it has a rich religious heritage, opportunities for sailing, and great mountain walks for nature lovers», as the mayor of Halki stresses.

Halki is high on the list of foreign visitors' preferences

Focusing on the development of this year, Mr. Fragakis says that so far the tourist traffic on the island is developing optimistically, which particularly pleases the institutions and businesses of the place. «This is certainly helped by the good brand name that Halki is building every day through the innovations it implements. It is high in the preferences of tourists and, as the island's businessmen inform us, bookings are full until the end of October. Certainly the pandemic and the war do not leave much room for over-optimistic forecasts, but for the moment they do not seem to have affected the number 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 in general, the mayor explains and adds that Greeks also love and visit our island. «Because of the relatively small capacity in beds, about 400, the island is suitable for wellness and relaxation tourism, the health of the mind and body. It is a kind of tourism that modern man craves due to his pressurized 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 an eye on sustainability, the Municipality of Halki from the very beginning designed a fully sustainable plan that has been successfully implemented, as Mr Fragakis says. Currently there is a 1 Mw photovoltaic park on the island which binds the inexhaustible solar energy. «So we understand that the island is producing electricity and through the process of virtual energy offsetting, the residents on our island are no longer paying for electricity. We are now talking about sustainable development which encompasses 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 the next big project for the island

Chalki is a traditional island settlement and is a traditional island its architectural and urban planning characteristics are protected by law, incorporating local traditional techniques. Mainly old buildings are restored and no new ones are built, stresses Mr. Fragakis. «For this reason, one of the next projects is to start implementing the great idea of restoring the Village of Halki. A monument dating back to before the 4th century BC, which can revive and develop spirit and tranquility, spark inspiration for new ideas and contacts, provide the energy to generate creativity for new projects and businesses. At the same time, new jobs will be created and the employment prospects of our island's young people will increase. In the meantime the site can become energy self-sufficient after the conversion of Halki into a 1st GR - eco Island», says the mayor, among other things.

Mr. Halkiadakis