#2-Paros (Greece) : How to find the right balance between tourism and real estate pressure and preservation of the island’s identity?

Once upon an island - Green tourism

Paros is one the finest gems of the Cyclades islands crown. Once very famous for its marble from which a large number of statues from the antiquity were built, the Island is now known for a nice balance between beautiful sandy beaches and charming ports, and, in the inland, authentic villages, ancient hiking trails, small monasteries. Paros is rather a chic island, attracting vistors who wish to discover the Cyclades charm and way of life.

Under the real estate pressure and the demand, Paros may be on the brick of a change : becoming an international Island hence risking altering its authenticity and greek identity.

The islanders need tourism to live, a need sharpened by the 2015 economic greek crisis, but want at the same timeto preserve their island’s identity and traditions.

Where is the right balance between tourism and preservation of the Island? How to regulate tourism ?

And what role can culture and heritage play in finding this balance?

To understand these issues and their stakes as well as exploring solutions to the equation, I shall host in this episode 3 emblematic guests.

• Stefanos Vallianatos, representative of FOTOESSA
• Stella Fyrogeni, restaurant and guesthouse owner
• Athena Perantinou, travel agent and hotel owner

A podcast presented by Isabelle Han and Ingrid Blanchard produced by SMILO and FRAGÎLE PORQUEROLLES, with the support of the Anna Lindh Foundation cofinanced by the European Union, and Erasmus +.

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