In a strategic move to deepen bilateral tourism cooperation, Karpathos, Greece has launched a targeted initiative to strengthen its presence in the Italian travel market. Through a high-level visit from the Director of the Greek National Tourism Organization in Italy, the island is positioning itself as a top destination for cultural, nature-based, and year-round tourism. The collaboration includes B2B partnerships, co-marketing efforts, and familiarization trips designed to showcase Karpathos’ authentic experiences, hiking routes, and investment potential. This effort marks a key step in Greece’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings while expanding sustainable travel ties with Italy.
Karpathos Deepens Strategic Engagement with Italian Tourism Market Through High-Level GNTO Visit
In a significant step aimed at boosting its profile in the Italian travel sector, the island of Karpathos welcomed the Director of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) in Italy for a multi-day working visit that took place on Saturday, June 22, and Monday, June 23. The initiative is part of the municipality’s broader plan to develop sustainable tourism strategies while strengthening international partnerships and attracting a more diversified range of visitors to the Dodecanese island.
This high-level mission marks an important milestone in Karpathos’ international tourism outreach efforts, signaling a renewed commitment to promoting the island in one of Europe’s most important outbound travel markets—Italy. The visit was not only symbolic but also highly functional, setting the stage for actionable plans and long-term cooperation.
Strengthening Italy-Karpathos Tourism Relations
The working meeting, held at Karpathos Town Hall on Monday, gathered local officials, tourism stakeholders, and GNTO representatives to outline concrete steps for deepening Karpathos’ penetration into the Italian travel market. The discussion focused on five main strategic pillars designed to drive sustainable growth in visitor numbers while enhancing the island’s tourism offerings:
Targeted Promotion in the Italian Market
Italian travelers, known for their appreciation of authentic and culturally rich destinations, are seen as a prime demographic for Karpathos. The meeting emphasized the need for carefully tailored campaigns that highlight the island’s natural beauty, traditions, and relaxed pace of life. Discussions included the implementation of digital marketing strategies, participation in Italian travel expos, and promotional storytelling aimed at resonating with Italian travel sensibilities.
Development of Thematic Tourism Products
To diversify its appeal and reduce seasonality, Karpathos is working on enhancing its thematic tourism portfolio. This includes offerings such as cultural tourism, gastronomic trails, hiking routes, and authentic village experiences—all designed to attract experience-driven travelers. By shifting focus beyond the traditional “sun and sea” narrative, the island aims to appeal to tourists seeking depth, exploration, and connection with local heritage.
Extension of the Tourist Season
ne of the main goals discussed was the prolongation of the tourist season, particularly in the spring and autumn months. The Mediterranean climate of Karpathos supports year-round visitation, and by promoting off-season travel, the island hopes to ease summer crowding, stimulate local businesses, and generate more stable year-round economic activity. Targeted offers, cultural events, and nature-based experiences during the shoulder months were some of the solutions proposed.
Strengthening B2B Partnerships
The importance of fostering business-to-business collaborations between Italian travel agencies and Karpathian tourism operators was another core element of the discussions. Both sides committed to facilitating familiarization trips (fam trips) for Italian tour operators and journalists, allowing them to directly experience the island’s hospitality and infrastructure. Additionally, co-marketing campaigns involving travel agencies, online platforms, and regional airlines were outlined as key to increasing visibility and bookings.
Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
As part of the broader dialogue, the GNTO delegation was introduced to investment opportunities across the island, especially in areas like eco-tourism, boutique accommodations, and cultural tourism infrastructure. With a growing interest among Italian investors in Greece’s regional tourism markets, Karpathos is positioning itself as a welcoming and promising destination for sustainable tourism investments.
Immersive Tour of Karpathos for the Italian Delegation
Beyond the boardroom, the GNTO Director and accompanying Italian professionals were treated to a curated tour of Karpathos, designed to showcase the island’s unique tourism assets. The itinerary included visits to traditional villages, archeological sites, beaches, and eco-tourism routes, providing a real-time perspective on the variety and authenticity of experiences the island can offer.
From the windswept shores of Afiartis to the time-honored customs of Olympos village, the guests had the opportunity to observe Karpathos through the lens of an Italian traveler—helping them understand how to best market the destination to their home audience.
The visit also included tastings of local cuisine, musical performances, and conversations with local artisans and hoteliers, all of which reinforced the island’s identity as a destination rooted in authenticity, community, and cultural preservation.
A Forward-Thinking Vision for Tourism
This collaborative initiative between the Municipality of Karpathos and the GNTO’s Italian division signals a forward-thinking approach to tourism development. Rather than rely solely on traditional promotion methods, the island is focusing on strategic alignment with international markets, product diversification, and experience-based travel, all framed by sustainable principles.
As the global travel landscape evolves—with more travelers seeking personalized, meaningful, and eco-conscious experiences—Karpathos is making bold strides to position itself at the forefront of this movement.
Karpathos, Greece is intensifying its tourism outreach in Italy through strategic partnerships, cultural promotion, and sustainable travel initiatives aimed at attracting Italian visitors year-round. This marks a major step in strengthening bilateral tourism ties between Italy and Greece.
With follow-up initiatives already in planning—including future promotional events in major Italian cities and a second round of fam trips for autumn 2025—Karpathos is laying the groundwork for a lasting presence in the Italian tourism market.
Source: Travel and Tour World
