Greece’s Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni Enhances Focus On Cultural And Environmental Sustainability As She Visits Santorini, Sikinos, Folegandros, And Anafi For Crucial Development Discussions

Published on July 23, 2025

Greece’s Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni recently embarked on a four-day tour of the Cycladic islands, including Santorini, Sikinos, Folegandros, and Anafi, to engage with local communities and stakeholders, fostering an open dialogue on sustainable tourism development. This tour, aimed at promoting a balanced approach to tourism that prioritizes both economic growth and cultural preservation, follows the establishment of Destination Management & Marketing Organizations (DMMOs) in several municipalities. Minister Kefalogianni’s visit underscored Greece’s commitment to enhancing the tourism sector while safeguarding the islands’ natural and cultural assets for future generations. Through discussions with local leaders and visits to key cultural sites, the Minister emphasized the importance of sustainability in maintaining the authenticity and long-term viability of these treasured destinations.

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni embarked on a four-day tour of the Cyclades, visiting the islands of Santorini, Sikinos, Folegandros, and Anafi to engage with local communities, stakeholders, and authorities. The purpose of this visit was to facilitate an open dialogue focused on the sustainable development of tourism in the region. This initiative is closely tied to the recent establishment of the first Destination Management & Marketing Organizations (DMMOs) in the municipalities of Thira, Anafi, Sikinos, Ios, and Folegandros. These organizations are a vital step toward promoting a sustainable and balanced approach to tourism, one that prioritizes both preservation and development in these historically and culturally rich areas.

The first stop on the Minister’s tour was Santorini, one of the most iconic destinations in the world. During her visit, Minister Kefalogianni explored the newly renovated Archaeological Museum of Thira, which has undergone significant upgrades to enhance the visitor experience and preserve its invaluable artifacts. The Minister was also introduced to the “Cycladic Women – Untold Stories of Women from the Cyclades” exhibition. This groundbreaking exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the role of women in the Cycladic region, spanning from prehistoric times through the 19th century. By examining their contributions to the islands’ cultural fabric, the exhibition sheds light on the often-overlooked influence of women in shaping the history and identity of the Cyclades. This initiative reflects Greece’s commitment to revisiting and celebrating its rich cultural heritage in innovative ways.

From Santorini, the Minister traveled to Sikinos, a quieter and more serene island compared to its famous neighbors. Here, Minister Kefalogianni, along with the Mayor of Thira, was welcomed by Sikinos Mayor Vasilis Marakis. The visit focused on the island’s unique cultural and architectural landmarks. Among the highlights was the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, a place of deep historical and spiritual significance, as well as the Episkopi temple, an important site reflecting the island’s ancient roots. A key topic during the visit was the ongoing restoration of the Neiko mausoleum, a significant architectural monument on the island. This project, part of a broader effort to preserve Sikinos’ historical sites, is expected to enhance the island’s cultural appeal while maintaining its authentic character.

Sikinos is often praised for its untouched beauty and authentic Greek atmosphere, which Minister Kefalogianni emphasized during her visit. The Minister underscored the importance of preserving the island’s unique charm while integrating sustainable tourism strategies that would prevent overcrowding and minimize environmental impact. This balanced approach, she noted, would ensure that future generations could enjoy Sikinos in its natural state, free from the pressures of mass tourism.

After Sikinos, the tour continued to Folegandros, another island with a rich history and potential for sustainable tourism growth. While in Folegandros, the Minister met with local authorities and residents to discuss tourism-related challenges and opportunities. The discussions focused on the need to preserve the island’s traditional architecture and unique landscape, which are key draws for tourists seeking an authentic Greek experience. Like other islands in the region, Folegandros faces the challenge of managing growth while safeguarding its cultural heritage and natural resources. Minister Kefalogianni reiterated that the key to success lies in sustainable development, which involves collaboration between local communities, government agencies, and the private sector.

The final stop of the Minister’s tour was Anafi, a smaller, more remote island known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Anafi is less developed than its more famous counterparts, and the local community has worked hard to maintain the island’s authenticity. During her visit, Minister Kefalogianni met with Mayor Iakovos Roussos and local stakeholders to discuss future development plans. The conversations centered around the protection of Anafi’s natural and cultural assets, with a focus on creating a tourism model that benefits both locals and visitors. The island’s infrastructure, while limited, has been a focal point for improvement, and the Minister expressed her commitment to ensuring that any development aligns with sustainability goals and enhances the quality of life for residents.

A major theme throughout the tour was the integration of sustainable practices into tourism development. From improving waste management systems to enhancing cultural preservation efforts, the focus was on creating long-term solutions that could make a positive impact on both the local communities and the tourism sector. The creation of the DMMOs, which will help coordinate efforts and monitor the impact of tourism, is a significant step toward achieving this goal.

Minister Kefalogianni also highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders to ensure that tourism development is inclusive and beneficial to all. She emphasized that tourism should not only bring economic benefits but should also promote the preservation of Greece’s cultural and natural heritage. The Minister’s visits to these islands demonstrated a commitment to balancing the needs of tourism with the preservation of the unique identity of each destination.

Greece’s Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni recently toured Santorini, Sikinos, Folegandros, and Anafi, engaging with local communities to promote sustainable tourism. Her visit highlighted Greece’s commitment to balancing cultural preservation with tourism growth across these iconic Cycladic islands.

The four-day tour concluded with a call for continued dialogue and collaboration between all involved parties. Minister Kefalogianni expressed her confidence that with the right approach, the Cycladic islands could lead the way in sustainable tourism development, offering visitors a meaningful experience while protecting the islands’ authentic character for future generations.