*By Kostas Chalkiadakis
The Peloponnese Region is among the finalists for the 2026 Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards, having secured a major European accolade for a regenerative tourism initiative implemented in Myrsini, in the historic region of Mani. The nomination recognises an approach that prioritises the development of tourism centred on the local community, the preservation of cultural identity and the creation of long-term value for the destination.
The proposal is based on co-creation with residents and local stakeholders, seeking to highlight the region’s cultural wealth through a model that combines the protection of cultural heritage, the strengthening of social cohesion and the development of sustainable tourism. The aim is for tourism to serve as a tool for the empowerment of local communities, rather than merely as an economic activity.
As Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism in the Peloponnese, Athanasios Michelongonas, points out that the Peloponnese Region’s selection as one of Europe’s top destinations is a significant honour and, at the same time, confirmation of the strategy pursued to achieve more sustainable, regenerative and participatory tourism, with an emphasis on the needs and prospects of local communities.
At the same time, he called on the public to support Greece’s bid by voting for the Audience Award, emphasising that every vote is a vote of confidence not only in Mani and the Peloponnese, but also in a different model of tourism development that focuses on people, culture and place.
The Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards are organised by the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), in collaboration with Europa Nostra, the European Travel Commission and NECSTouR, with the aim of highlighting destinations that implement innovative practices in sustainable cultural tourism. The winners of the awards will be announced on 24 September, as part of the 19th International Cultural Tourism Conference, to be held in Skiathos.
Source: tornosnews.gr