Rigas Zafiriou, director of the Kythera Foundation for Culture and Development, speaks on the O3 (omicron three) on ERT3 about the most well-organized trail network, Kythera Trails. The 100-kilometer network of hiking trails on Kythera demonstrates at every turn just how closely nature is intertwined with the island’s culture. The program aired on April 22, 2021.
The trails contribute to the local economy and society, as well as to the promotion of the cultural and natural heritage of Kythira and Antikythira. Along the hiking trails, attractions and traditional landscapes are showcased in the best possible way, reinforcing the identity of our islands. Kythira’s tourism product is being diversified, expanded, and upgraded, highlighting the unique characteristics and competitive advantages of our region.
As a result, Kythira is making a strong showing in one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism: adventure tourism. This type of tourism is more profitable, since hikers spend more money per person than the average tourist and stay longer at the destination. Furthermore, a much larger percentage of the revenue (67%) remains in the local economy, in contrast to mass tourism (14%). These visitors seek authentic travel experiences, are interested in unspoiled places, appreciate cultural and natural landscapes, and prefer local agricultural and traditional products. In short, they align with the identity of Kythira and Antikythira.
