Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni has visited Chalkidiki during a tour of Northern Greece to focus on regional tourism growth, infrastructure needs, and sustainability challenges.
Accompanied by Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development Vasiliki Koutsoukou, Kefalogianni conducted a series of consultations with local government representatives and tourism market leaders to address infrastructure upgrades, sustainability, and product diversification across Chalkidiki.
Chalkidiki, located in the Central Macedonia region of northern Greece, is renowned for its coastline and three distinct peninsulas extending into the Aegean Sea. Tourism serves as a central pillar of the local economy, attracting domestic visitors and large volumes of road tourists from neighboring Balkan countries.
During an expanded meeting at the Administration Building of the Regional Unit of Chalkidiki in Polygyros, Kefalogianni described Chalkidiki as one of the country's most vital tourist destinations. She highlighted its status as a destination with a strong and timeless brand that attracts significant numbers of travelers.
Discussions centered on the need to strengthen general infrastructure, which attendees noted is directly linked to regional resilience and the capacity to support further tourism development. Kefalogianni outlined the strategic directions of the Special Spatial Framework for Tourism, emphasizing that state and local government coordination is essential to meet growing demands.
Infrastructure and funding strategy
The meeting examined projects funded through the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility, alongside initiatives to expand Chalkidiki's tourism product beyond the traditional sun and sea model. Participants discussed developing special forms of tourism, promoting local gastronomy and regional products, and utilizing local thermal resources.
The Special Spatial Framework for Tourism serves as Greece's strategic land-use planning policy to regulate development and protect natural environments in tourist zones. Meanwhile, the Recovery and Resilience Facility provides European Union funding to support economic modernization, infrastructure development, and sustainable transitions.
Wildfire response in Siviri
Special reference was made during the meeting to a recent wildfire in Siviri, which occurred during a period of high tourism traffic. Officials reviewed the emergency response, noting that visitors were evacuated quickly and safely from affected areas.
Meeting participants evaluated that the efficient management of the incident played a decisive role in restoring normal conditions rapidly and preserving Chalkidiki's reputation as a safe destination. Siviri is a popular coastal village situated on the western shore of the Kassandra peninsula.
The Polygyros conference was organized by Ioannis Koufidis, Vice-Governor of Chalkidiki and President of the Chalkidiki Chamber of Commerce. Attendees included Ioannis Giorgos, Member of Parliament for Chalkidiki; Vicky Chatzivasileiou, Vice-Governor of Tourism for the Region of Central Macedonia; Grigoris Tasios, President of the Chalkidiki Tourism Organization and the Chalkidiki Hotel Association; and Georgios Skiadaresis, Head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Chalkidiki.
Kefalogianni stressed the necessity of ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism, local government, and industry professionals to foster more sustainable and balanced tourism growth.
Historical commemoration and museum tour
Prior to the meeting in Polygyros, Kefalogianni visited the village of Agios Mamas. Representing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, she attended the unveiling ceremony of the Monument to the Fighters of Chalkidiki of 1821 at the Battle of Elos.
The minister laid a wreath and spoke about the importance of preserving historical memory and local cultural heritage. The 1821 Greek War of Independence was a pivotal conflict fought to end Ottoman rule, with local battles across Chalkidiki forming an integral part of the national uprising.
The minister concluded her regional tour with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Polygyros. She was guided through exhibits tracing Chalkidiki's history from prehistoric times to Late Antiquity, as well as the significant Lampropoulos Collection.
Special emphasis was placed on the museum's interactive screens and multimedia applications, which enhance visitor engagement by connecting cultural heritage with modern tourist experiences.
