Santorini Sets Up Destination Management Body to Ensure Viability

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Not resting on their laurels, Santorini authorities are putting their money where their mouth is and taking more actions to boost tourism to the world renowned Cycladic island with the establishment of its very own Destination Management Organization (DMO), presented last week at the Santo Wines conference center.

The Thira Municipality is working together with the University of the Aegean to form its very own Destination Management / Marketing Organization based on data gathered and assessed by the UNWTO Network of Observatories (INSTO). 

Thira Mayor Nikolaos Zorzos

During the event, Thira Mayor Nikolaos Zorzos underlined that proper destination management depends on in-depth analysis of tourism data collected during all its stages, which can then be used by businesses to improve operation, profitability and sustainability.

The mayor went on to add that the aim of the DMO is to provide tools in cooperation with social partners and tourism professionals that will ensure Santorini is a sustainable tourism destination without however excluding that it still remains a unique home for its inhabitants.

The event came to a close with the presentation of the DMO’s operational framework as well as its objectives, such as promoting Greek as well as unique-to-Santorini products including the Greek Breakfast, Aegean cuisine, local gastronomy, nature and cultural trails and traditional architecture.