“Sterea is hospitable from end to end!”
The new regional governor, Mr. Fanis Spanos. Coming from Evia, Mr. Spanos, as a former deputy regional governor, has knowledge of the issues of his region as well as the will and desire to implement innovations and actions that will turn the visitor into a “communicator” of the Greek experience.
What are the objectives of the development plan for the next four years, in terms of tourism?
We may be at the beginning of our new self-governing period, but the regional authority is continuing on a very positive course with tangible results. During the 5 years 2014 – 2019 we have systematically invested in the development and dissemination of the Central Greece tourism brand, and now our goal is to go one step further. The Region of Central Greece is a place with numerous comparative advantages and attractive tourist destinations for every profile of visitor. We continue, therefore, to give special emphasis to the “Experience Economy” and the development of alternative forms of tourism, with emphasis on our remarkable cultural and historical heritage. We seek for the visitor to become a part of the Greek experience and visit a set of destinations with museums, archaeological sites, important religious pilgrimages and much more. For 12 months and 365 days a year. To achieve this, we invest in synergies. We are coordinating our efforts with the Ministry of Tourism, the local authorities, the bodies and professionals of tourism, and together we are creating the appropriate conditions for sustainable tourism development. In this way, we are laying the foundations for a higher quality tourism. In addition, we will continue to promote the
Region of Central Greece, as a tourist destination of four seasons, through promotional actions with wide appeal and, of course, with our presence in all major
foreign and domestic exhibitions for the promotion of the tourist product, always combined with the production of local products and services of thematic tourism.
How do you think to attract more Greek travellers to to your region?
We still have a long way to go to make the most of the natural potential of Central Greece. This requires even more visibility, new quality beds, good quality beds, good
services, serious public infrastructure. This is what I want to focus on. We have been serving this greatest need of our Region from the very first moment with the same passion. We have implemented hundreds of multi-million euro projects that contribute substantially to the development of our cities. Roads, ports, harbours, waterways, interventions in archaeological sites,
restoration of ancient theatres, urban regeneration and many more are all things that enhance our cultural heritage and serve as the most important tool for promoting tourism. A special mention should be made here of an extremely ambitious and comprehensive proposal entitled “Oedipus Cultural Route”, which aims to shape the
a complete and branded “product” of cultural tourism, in order for the Region to emerge as a quality and recognized tourist destination, through smart promotion, the exploitation of cultural – natural resources and the networking of its human productive potential. The seven main hubs (Chalkida – Eretria, Thebes, Orhomenos, Delphi – Parnassos, Thermopylae, Karpenisi and Skyros) together with the respective entry axes, internal networks and interstations, enable travellers to choose their own combination of routes within the framework of a trip depending on the experiences they want to enjoy, as the “Route” offers additional tours and activities (e.g.The Route offers a variety of tours and activities (e.g. gastronomy, events, nature and adventure tourism, religious tourism, sun and sea tourism, city tourism, ski tourism, wellness tourism). Our goal is to constantly upgrade existing products and create new ones. We invest in the tourism industry by focusing on offering quality services, an effort that we continue with great enthusiasm, fresh ideas and a desire for a substantial result!
Tell us 5 reasons for Greek travellers to visit your region this autumn?
In fact, the reason is one. Central Greece is for all tastes, it has everything. It is a miniature of the country, as it brings together features from all over the country. It is also located in the centre of Greece, making it easily accessible for all domestic visitors, as well as those coming to Greece from Athens International Airport. I will, however, try to entice our readers and potential visitors even more by saying that in our Region, one can:
-To visit world-class
historical and cultural landmarks.
-To taste authentic flavours.
-To enjoy the thermal baths.
-To navigate the marked paths.
-To swim in the deep blue waters.
But also many more experiences! Sterea is hospitable from end to end!
