The Region of Ionian Islands is a public authority and decentralized administrative unit of the Greek government. Its core responsibility is to plan, program, coordinate and implement the national policies for the economic, social and cultural development of the region. The staff of the Region of Ionian Islands consists of 250 employees, 50 of them are engineers and other experts of public infrastructures and services in a different fields. Most of the tasks of the Region of Ionian Islands within the HERITAGE ALIVE! project are carried out by its Department of Information Systems and Public Works.

Tasks and activities

• Identification of local and regional stakeholders;
• Development of Good Practice Guidelines for ICT application in World Heritage sites;
• Development of a Pilot Action Showcase and demonstration at target group specific events;
• Coordination of development of regional policy implications and recommendations and future scenarios for regional developme;
• Dissemination and presentation of project results;
• Conducting of a feasibility study for future investment.

Regional Context

Since the 1970s Corfu has seen a continuous development of tourism, which has become the most dynamic branch in the island's economy. On account of its geographical position, its international airport and its ferry connections, Corfu is one of the western gateways to Greece.

The north and east coasts of Corfu have most of the package holiday resorts as well as more up-market holiday villas, while the southern resort of Kavos is particularly attractive to young holidaymakers. With some exceptions the interior of the island has relatively little tourist trade. It should also be noted that the focus on tourism activities in the coastal areas has resulted in a depopulation of many villages, the gradual abandonment of farming and a low level manufacturing activity with only small craft-type units.

Given the overall importance of tourism, one strategy of the island is to develop a more qualitative cultural tourism approach. The application for World Heritage Status for the historic centre of the City of Corfu is one important element in this strategy. This should allow on the one hand the preservation of the old town of Corfu as an important heritage treasure, and on the other hand to implement a cultural tourism offer also beyond the tourist peak period of about four month.

Contact

Milka Argyrou (Civil Engineer, Coordinator)
Tel.: +30 2661 0 86 501
margyrou@ionianislands.gr
www.ionianislands.gr