Professionals, businesses, and organizations gathered in Kalambaka with the shared goal of creating new experiences and partnerships for the region
With the participation of professionals, businesses, and local organizations, the Meteora–Pyli UNESCO Global Geopark held an event in Kalambaka on the theme “Geotourism Development and Local Collaborations”, in celebration of World Tourism Day.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Meteora and the Municipality of Pyli, focused on a key question: How can the Geopark create new opportunities for local businesses and communities?
A common theme of the discussion was the need to further link the region’s geological and natural wealth with tourism, culture, museums, itineraries, local products, gastronomy, and the experiences the area can offer visitors.
In their remarks, Lefteris Avramopoulos, Mayor of Meteora; Kostas Maravas, Mayor of Pyli; and Chrysa Dinti, Deputy Regional Governor of the Trikala Regional Unit, emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two municipalities, the Region of Thessaly, various organizations, professionals, and the local community in order to harness the potential of the Geopark and boost local development.
Nikos Pitsoulis, Special Advisor to the Geopark, highlighted collaboration as a key mechanism for transitioning from simply promoting the area to creating comprehensive experiences for visitors by linking geosites, nature, museums, local products, gastronomy, culture, and people.
For his part, the CEO of the “THESSALOMA” Development Organization and representative of the Geopark’s administration, Grigoris Papacharalambous, presented the Geopark’s available resources and how businesses can utilize them to promote the area and connect visitors with the experiences the region has to offer.
Of particular importance was the dialogue that took place with local professionals and business owners, who shared their experiences from their daily interactions with visitors, offered suggestions, and highlighted the needs and potential of the local tourism industry.
The message of the meeting was clear: the development of the Geopark is a collective effort. Through collaboration, new themed experiences can be created, business networking can be strengthened, and visitors can be given more reasons to stay, explore more parts of the region, and experience the area in a more meaningful way.
For the Meteora–Pyli UNESCO Global Geopark, the event marked another step toward forging closer ties with the local business community, with the goal of having the Geopark serve as a shared identity, a framework for cooperation, and a tool for sustainable local development.
Respectful tourism. Value for the local community.
