The Municipality of Karpathos presented its statistical data for 2014 and presentation of its 2015 tourism development program for 2015. Manolis Kritsiotis, president of the Municipality of Karpathos’ Committee for Tourism Promotion and Development, underlined the increased trend noted from the Netherlands, Austria and Germany, though this did not necessarily mean a noted increase in rooms due to the reduction of tourism from Norway and Slovakia.
The conference also focused on making Karpathos an even more attractive destination through:
* the creation of a series of thematic videos promoting alternative travel
* a clean-up campaign and added signage and mapping of old and new walkways
* a return to windsurfing contests on the island
* a training seminar for tourism professionals on the island
* the renovation and operation of windmills and old oil presses on the island
* the creation of a web portal to promote the island and give information
* the lengthening of the tourist season
* the completion of a German magazine, known as “New Voice”, by December 2014 to be circulated at international travel expos (distribution of 2,500 copies)
Mr. Kritsiotis said that there will be a co-ordinated effort to increase awareness of the beauty of the island abroad. The Municipality of Karpathos plans to attend the International Greek Tourism Expo from December 5-7 in order to promote alternative tourism and there are plans for participation in international travel expos in Austria, Sweden, Italy, Warsaw and Tel Aviv.
