Tourism in the Peloponnese Gains Momentum

Voidokilia Beach, Messinia. Photo Source: @Costa Navarino

Tourism in the Peloponnese is gaining momentum, which is driven by the area’s upgraded infrastructure, the development of thematic travel products and promotional activities run by regional authorities.

Kalamata. Photo: mythicalpeloponnese.gr

More specifically, the area was recently included among the 50 best places to travel in 2018 by the Travel + Leisure Magazine, along with Buenos Aires in Argentina, Marrakesh in Morocco and the Fiji Islands. The magazine referred to the region’s improved highway system towards the Kalamata Airport, as well as to the upgrading works at the ports of Gythio and Katakolo.

“By promoting the region’s excellent tourism product in 2017, we aimed at making the Peloponnese a year-round destination,” the region’s deputy governor Konstantina Nikolakou said in an announcement.

“We have achieved that through the collaboration with our strategic partners –  Greek carrier AEGEAN and TEMES, the developer of Costa Navarino in Messinia; leading tour operators; and through inter-regional collaborations with partners in Greece and abroad,” she added.

Monemvasia, Lakonia, Greece – Photo: Shutterstock

According to Nikolakou, as a result, the Kalamata Airport is now connected to new destinations, namely Brussels, Copenhagen and Vienna, with weekly flights.

Part of the Menalon Trail, Greece’s first officially certified footpath.

Furthermore, in March 2018, Costa Navarino will host the World Tourism Forum Lucerne Think Tank, an international event taking place annualy.

The Region of the Peloponnese has also focused on the development of thematic tourism and travel activities such as hiking. Running through some of the area’s forests, valleys and rivers, the renowned Menalon Trail recently received European certification and is now placed among the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe.