09.30 - 10.00: Registrations
10.00 - 10.30: Welcome speeches - Opening of the forum
Markos Kovaios, Paros Mayor
Kostas Bizas, Prefect of Paros
10.30 - 11.50 Part 1: Innovation in Tourism
The first part of this Forum will focus on innovative approaches in the field of tourism that can help pave the way towards a more sustainable model of development. We will aim to cover as many aspects of this topic as possible, starting with a presentation of possible ways to improve the ferry connections between Paros and the mainland, as well as the connections between the various islands of the Cyclades. We will also take a close look at the topics of theme cruises and sports tourism. Finally, we will touch upon the priorities that need to be set and the initiatives that can be undertaken to promote innovative forms of tourism at the regional as well as the local level.
Coordinator: Haris Martinos, Local and regional development expert
Innovative applications of mapping and geo-informatics in the fields of maritime connections and tourism
Dr Dimos N.Pantazis, Agronomist – Surveyor Engineer, Professor in Athens Technical University, Head of Research Laboratory SOCRATES
Sustainable development of cruise destinations
Eva Stefanidaki, Researcher in the University of the Aegean, Laboratory of Research in Shipping and Port Management (ReShip)
The prospects of bicycle tourism in Greece & its advantages compared to other forms of tourism
Nikos Kalakonas, President of the Paros Bicycle Club, General Manager of Alpha Bank Paros
The Chamber of Cyclades and the harnessing of modern technological tools in aid of tourism development
Panayiotis Theodorakis, Head of the Department of Technology and IT systems, Chamber of Cyclades
Ferry Connections & balanced growth
Dimitris Petropoulos, Tourism & Shipping Agent
Discussion
11:50 - 13:00 Part 2: Certification schemes, quality management & sustainability
The second part of the Forum will focus on the concept of ‘sustainable hotels’ and will take a closer look at ways in which hotel owners can adopt more environmentally friendly business practices, whilst boosting the quality of services they offer. We will also be referring to the challenges that are faced by tourism destinations as they shift towards more sustainable practices and will highlight the gains to be enjoyed by those tourism destinations that decide to follow this path. Finally, we will be talking about the value added brought about by the
certification of products and services as well as the need to steer in this direction.
Coordinator: Paris Kaklamanos, Consultant at the European Court of Auditors, Luxembourg
Sustainable operation of hotels and sustainable destinations, criteria & certification procedures
Sotiris Milonas, Sustainability &Tourism professional, Travelife auditor
‘We do local’ standard and its application to date
Apostolos Kortesis, Accreditation expert in the areas of processing activities and the market of organic products
Certification as a value added to the tourism product
Charalambos Aggeloudis, Head of certification of products & services, TÜV AUSTRIA HELLAS
Intervention:
Hospitality & sustainable development
Association of Hotels of Paros & Antiparos
Discussion
13.00 - 13.30: Coffee break
13.30 - 15.00 Part 3: Young entrepreneurs & innovation: local initiatives
The realization of innovative practices and the sustainable development of an area depend to a large extent on the responses of the local community affected by these practices. In this context this session will be presenting professionals who come from different backgrounds (from the public as well as the private sector, from the local community as well as those who were initially considered ‘outsiders’ and who became ‘insiders’). These professionals will describe their experiences from the time they have spent on the island as well as their relationship with the local community: a) their ‘road to success’ b) the obstacles they faced from the local community as well as the support that they received from the locals c) suggestions for involvement of the local society in their areas of activity. The ultimate aim of this session is to contribute to the development of a shared methodology for the undertaking of local initiatives.
Co-ordinator: Dr Ioannis Poulios, Heritage management and sustainable development consultant, Hellenic Open University
Imagination and daring to act
Christos Georgousis, Physicist, educator
The experiences of the local society by a non Parian
Giannos Kouragios, Archaeologist
The actions of the network of sustainable islands 'DAFNI' and the benefits for the municipality of Paros
Alkisti Florou, Sustainable Development Consultant, DAFNI network
Local flavours and the need for promoting them
Maro Voulgari, Melissi Delicatessen
«Plan Bee»
Aggelos Pitsikalis, Εk Paktias
Intervention:
Cultural heritage as an ingredient of sustainable development
Christos Christoforos, Vice-mayor of Paros
15.00 – 15.30: Discussion
Closing of the Forum
