Rural tourism is no longer merely an alternative option for visitors, but can serve as a means of supporting the local economy and revitalising areas facing depopulation. This is the rationale behind the “epaithros+” Cluster, an initiative that began in Crete and is now developing into a nationwide network, bringing together businesses in the sectors of accommodation, catering, local produce, crafts and alternative activities.
As the Coordinator of the relevant programme, Chryssa Pagalou, explains, speaking to Nikos Angelakis, the aim is to foster cooperation and promote rural businesses, based on the following fundamental principles: “sustainability, locality and accessibility”. She makes particular reference to the need for rural businesses to become more easily accessible to potential visitors, through and from the Rural Greece platform.
At the heart of the discussion is the nationwide survey (See HERE ) on visitor preferences. The two previous surveys in Crete showed that the “sun-sea” model still dominates, but at the same time there is a strong interest in culture and gastronomy, whilst several visitors say they intend to take part in more activities on their next trip.
The aim, as she typically points out, is an “experiential rural tourism”, where the visitor is not merely a spectator, but respects and participates in the reality of the local community. And behind this approach lies an even greater aim: to enable areas facing severe depopulation to revitalise their activities, economy and social life.
Listen below to what Mrs Pagalou had to say.
Source: politica.gr