Kythira participated in the most important meeting ever held on trails in Greece. Representatives of the world's leading trails, such as the Appalachian Trail and Bruce Trail, attended this major celebration of the Global Trail Network (World Trails Network – WTN), which is held every two years.
For the first time World Trail Conference took place in Greece. After Korea, Japan, and Santiago, Spain, the Municipality of Skiathos took over, hosting the event from September 26 to 30 with the enthusiasm and constant presence of the Mayor, Mr. Thodoris Tzoumas.
Among others, the opening ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms. Sofia Zacharaki, who emphasized the importance of developing trail networks and the state's commitment to funding initiatives. A call for expressions of interest was recently published in municipalities and regions, with a total budget of €30 million, from the Recovery and Resilience Fund, with the Natural Environment and Climate Change Organization (OFYPE.
The ceremony was also welcomed by the Regional Governor of Attica, George Patoulis, who, referring to the cultural and natural wealth of the region, specifically mentioned the Kythira Trails as an example of best practice for sustainable tourism development in the area.
The second day of the conference, in section 6A «Trails and Tourism,» the coordinator of the “Kythera Trails – Kythera Trails” program, Mr. Rigas Zafiriou, presented to the international audience the elements that earned Kythera the top platinum distinction in the prestigious Greek tourism awards ‘Tourism Awards 2022,’ in the entire section ‘Sustainability’ (‘Sustainability’).
The conference was attended by 228 trail professionals and representatives of organizations from 32 countries, while 130 speakers gave presentations on 34 topics related to trails. A few days before the conference, multi-day tours were organized on the trails of Sifnos, of Crete and Lechovo (Paths of Peace) in collaboration with the Social Cooperative "Oikonomiki Synecheia" (Economic Continuity) of the Municipality of Kifissia, the Municipality of Kifissia, the Municipality of Marousi, the Municipality of Nea Ionia, the. Trails of Greece, while the event closed with the Monopati Film Festival. Trails Film and laboratories for certification Green Flag Trails. Kythira's participation in the World Trail Congress was supported by the Kythira Foundation for Culture & Development (KIPA).
More Information
Kythera TrailsKythera Trails is the official network of trails on Kythera, with 11 routes totaling 100 kilometers. Our vision is to preserve and enrich the island's natural and cultural heritage, contributing to the prosperity of the local community. Visit us: Web / App / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Tripadvisor
The program is supported and implemented by the Kythira Foundation for Culture and Development (K.I.P.A.) in collaboration with Municipality of Kythira & Antikythira, the Committee for Domestic Property of Kythira & Antikythira, and the Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Man (MedINA).
Kythira Foundation for Culture & Development (KIPA)Since 2006, the Kythira Foundation has been promoting the cultural and natural heritage of Kythira, while contributing to the sustainable development and quality of life of the local community through educational activities, events, scientific conferences, and projects such as the restoration of traditional footpaths, among other things. For more information: Website / Facebook / Instagram
