epaithros

Rural Tourism Cluster

Peloponnese Unveils New 2,000km Trail Network to Boost Sustainable Tourism

The largest certified hiking trail network in Greece was recently inaugurated in the Peloponnese, positioning the region as a model for sustainable tourism growth.

Covering more than 2,000 kilometers, the Peloponnese Trails form a key part of the region’s strategy to showcase nature and gastronomy as central elements of an enriched tourism offering, designed to support local communities and boost the economy.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Dimitsana, Peloponnese Governor Dimitris Ptochos emphasized that the trails are a flagship initiative, fully aligned with the principles of thematic tourism and sustainable development.

“They serve as a platform for the destination’s revitalization and represent an investment in enhancing the quality and long-term appeal of the Peloponnese,” he said.

Highlighting the Peloponnese’s features

During a panel discussion, Andreas Fiorentinos, Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), presented the network’s key features, noting that “it is fully aligned with the board’s strategy to showcase the Peloponnese’s diverse tourism offerings”.

The trails are designed to create routes enriched with storytelling elements such as history, nature, and gastronomy, while connecting them to local products and services. In addition, the network will serve as an educational tool in training programs for tourism professionals, promoting modern tourism practices and supporting the growth of rural and local economies.

The initiative was first introduced in November 2024 as part of the Environment Ministry’s “Creation of a National Network of Paths and Hiking Routes” project, to promote sustainable development and cultural and nature-based tourism.

“This project is an emblematic initiative that enhances, protects, strengthens, and highlights something central to the identity of the Peloponnese’s people: their deep connection to the landscape, nature, and history of the region,” said Stavros Papastavrou, Minister of Environment and Energy.

Source: news.gtp.gr