Restoring the cultural and natural heritage of Kythera and Antikythera
This way, Kythera is dynamically promoted in one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism – adventure tourism. This form of tourism is more effective, as the hiker/visitor stays longer in the destination and spends more money per capita than the average tourist. Also, a much higher percentage of visitor expenditures (65%) remains in the local economy, in contrast to mass tourism (14%). These visitors choose authentic travel experiences. They are interested in unspoiled places. They appreciate the cultural and natural landscapes and prefer local agricultural and traditional products. In short, they fit in the identity of Kythera and Antikythera.
The main goal of the programme is to prolong the tourist season to Spring and Autumn (shoulder seasons), as well as diffuse tourism and its benefits to all parts of the island and not only the tourist hotspots. Equally important, however, for all inhabitants of Kythera, is that the trails not only help us to get to know our place better but also improve our physical and mental health. For this purpose, we are working together with the local travel agency Pyrgos House to organize the “Winter Sunday Walks”. So far, 80+ walks have been organized.
Kythera Trails has nourished an international network of collaborations. In addition to being an active member of the World Trails Network and a founding member of the Mediterranean Hub, it has twinned Chora’s Trail M1 with a section of San’in Kaigan Geopark Trail and Mylopotamos Trail M41 with a section of the Bruce Trail in Canada. The team of Kythera Trails has participated in all major national and international congresses and fora. Some of the targeted marketing activities include the participation in international exhibitions (such as Destinations Nature in Paris), the website, brochures, social media, magazine articles. There is also some notable success such as being featured in the show “Des Racines Et Des Ailes” of national French television channel France 3.
