Preparations Under Way for 1st International Conference on Corfu Tourism

The following organizations and entities have already agreed to participate in the organizing committee: Ionian University, Chamber of Commerce, Technical Chamber of Greece – Corfu Branch, Economic Chamber of Greece – Ionian Island Branch, Ministry of Antiquities, Corfu Port Authority, Association of Hoteliers, Federation of Tourist Accommodation Owners, Association of Travel Agents, Association of Shipping Agents, Association of Tourist Guides – Ionian Islands and Western Greece, Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen & Merchants, Corfu Nautical Club. The participation of other bodies will be discussed at the meeting on Thursday.

The Conference has the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Ionian Islands Region, Municipality of Corfu, Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises (SETE) and the Association of Hotel Employees. A list of proposed topics and speakers has been drawn up and the suggested conference topics include:
1.      Land Use in Tourism – the case of Corfu – Nikiforos Balatsinos, Planning Engineer
2.      Tourist Capacity – Carrying Capacity – N. Triantos, President, Greek Technical Chamber
3.      Present and Future for Small and Very Small Businesses – Economic Chamber
4.      Training – Prospects and Problems in the field of Tourism Employment
5.      Single Coordinating Body for Tourism – Need and Prospects. Management Experience, DMO. Place Branding – Dr. Koutoulas
6.      Representative for Austria or Guest Inn Network. Good Example of Coordination
7.      Tourist Zones
8.      Myths and Legends as Destination Development Tools – Examples: Ireland, Verona
9.      Exploitation of the Legend of Ulysses – Thanassis Efstathiou
10.  Quantity or Quality: Trends
11.  Venice: overtourism phenomenon
12.  Benefits of Quality Tourism: Representative from Messinia
13.  Local Produce – Agrotourism. Example: Tuscany
14.  Quantity or Quality: Analysis
15.  The phenomena of AIRBNB, UBER, VIZEAT, EATWITH. New Trends – Tensions – Objections
16.  Development of New Technology to Reinforce Destination Image
17.  The Economics of Hospitality
 
The participating entities are in favour of a permanent forum being set up online with the projects culminating each year at this time. This would allow evaluation of the progress of tourism in Corfu and any necessary adjustments to be made by all participants.