Unlike other much frequented destinations, Kefalonia and Ithaca have developed a model of “soft” tourism, one that hasn’t yet induced serious strains for the environment. Personal interests should not get in the way of sustainable development, otherwise the environment (natural and urban) will pay the price.

The vast development of tourism related business groups often downgrades the cultural and traditional character of the area, which leads towards economic stagnation instead of tourist development. Tourism’s effects depend upon the type of tourism, the tourists’ attitude and the quality of tourist services. Concerning tourist development, the general policy that should be adopted must include measures regarding the following fields:  

quality of life protection of environmentally “sensitive” areas supervision and protection of water resources  reduction and management of waste  land and urban planning development upgrading of tourist services  alternative forms of tourism  organization of the private and public means        transportation observance of environment friendly rules        applied in tourist or non-tourist related        enterprises etc.

The aim of the European program “Sustainable Development & Tourism on Kefalonia and Ithaca” is the incorporation of all aforementioned principles in tourism development.

The contribution of all the interested parties (local authorities, businesses, citizen groups) is necessary for the successful application of such a model. For the above-mentioned reasons TEDKI-KI invites all interested parties to support the efforts made for a better tourism-related future.