At the 12th Panionian Conference, which was held from 18 to 21 October on Zakynthos, the scientific paper about the local partnership for sustainable tourism development on Kythera and how it has shaped the island’s modern cultural and tourism identity was presented. MedINA’s role was pivotal in nurturing this local alliance and developing the strategy for tourism and sustainable development.
More specifically, on Saturday 21 October, the talk about the paper titled “Branding Kythera. A Local Coalition for Adventure Tourism in the Island of Kythera and its Role in Shaping the Island’s Historic, Cultural, and Tourism Brand. A Contemporary Approach” took place in the thematic session “The Ionian Islands today: Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainable Development”.
© Gina Laubstein
The paper and the presentation were prepared by Dr. Maria-Konstantina (Maritina) Leontsini, lecturer at Harokopio University and NKUA, Athina Fatsea, PhD (C.) and researcher at the Ionian University and Rigas Zafeiriou, programme manager at MedINA. In the same session, current issues such as the quality of life of residents, sustainable tourism development and the status of ecosystem services in Ionian Islands were discussed. The session was recorded and can be found at this link.
With a history spanning more than 100 years, the Panionian Conference is an institution, being the oldest scientific meeting of the Ionian Islands, with the objective of studying Ionian culture. The 12th Panionian Conference was organized by the Zakynthian Cultural Research Society, in cooperation with the Regional Unit of Zakynthos and was held under the auspices of Her Excellency, the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
© Rigas Zafeiriou / MedINA
At the closing plenary session, resolutions were passed, with the participation of all the attendants, concerning contributions of the 12th Panionian Congress to the local communities, such as the request for the creation of cultural education centres on each Ionian Island. Finally, it was announced that the 13th Panionian Congress will be organized on Lefkada by the Society of Lefkadian Studies, following a request which was accepted by the plenary.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the Organizing Committee of the 12th Panhellenic Congress for the excellent organization and warm hospitality.
Featured image: © Gina Laubstein.
