The Region of the Ionian Islands presented its activity report for 2024, focusing on two core priorities: strengthening the international visibility of the islands—particularly in tourism—and delivering projects that improve the daily life of residents through interventions in infrastructure, culture, education and sport.
International tourism outreach
Throughout 2024, the Region maintained a strong presence in major tourism fairs across Europe, aiming to increase awareness of the Ionian Islands, expand partnerships with tour operators and enhance destination attractiveness.
At the International Tourism Fair IFT in Belgrade, the Region’s stand drew significant interest from visitors and industry professionals. Meetings were held with a focus on extending the tourism season and promoting thematic tourism, including cultural and maritime tourism. According to the Region, market feedback was positive and opened new cooperation prospects.
At the “Ferie For Alle” exhibition in Denmark, which attracted over 55,000 visitors, the Ionian Islands were collectively showcased. Direct bookings were recorded, and meetings took place with tour operators and diplomatic representatives.
In Berlin, the Region participated with an independent stand at ITB, one of the world’s largest tourism fairs, where the islands’ overall tourism identity was presented in a coordinated manner.
At the World Travel Market in London, contacts focused on the upcoming 2025 season, for which expectations from the British market are already highly positive. The Region noted that international participation will be strengthened in the coming years to secure maximum visibility abroad.
During the Travel Expo Cyprus exhibition, the Region’s presence drew strong interest from tourism professionals and journalists. Meetings with institutional representatives centered on developing pilgrimage tourism and reinforcing connectivity between Cyprus and the Ionian Islands.
The review highlights that tourism remains a key pillar of regional development; however, the creation of a strong and differentiated product requires cooperation among all stakeholders.
Infrastructure projects
In 2024, the Region tendered projects worth 34.3 million euros. These include road network upgrades, safety improvements and technical works across Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia and Zakynthos.
Examples include road and safety interventions in Zakynthos, maintenance works related to lighting and signage in Lefkada and the tendering of infrastructure projects with secured financing across all Regional Units.
Culture, sport and community support
As part of cultural and social reinforcement actions, the Region allocated 600,000 euros for the upgrade of the Municipal Theatre of Corfu, supported the improvement of sports facilities—such as the replacement of the turf cover at the Agios Matthaios stadium—and advanced the conversion of a former public building into a cultural space under the “CHORA – Cultural Hubs for Open and Regenerative Arts” initiative.
Education and investment in youth
The report dedicates a separate section to education. Projects include the upgrading of higher-education facilities, particularly for the Ionian University and the Merchant Marine Academy. Enhancements involved both infrastructure and equipment, aiming to improve the quality of studies.
In parallel, 460 individuals received training and certification through upskilling programmes, designed to increase employability and strengthen the Region’s human capital.
Financing and fund absorption
The Region achieved high performance in funding absorption in 2024. There was an increase of 74.5 percent in the National Public Investment Programme, an 11.4 percent rise in the co-financed Public Investment Programme and a doubling of approved credits.
The Region also actively participated in European cooperation programmes, supporting green, digital and innovative transition efforts.
Conclusion
The activity report shows that the Region of the Ionian Islands is strengthening its tourism reach internationally while simultaneously delivering projects that upgrade everyday life on the islands. Entering 2025, the Region maintains a stable strategy: to remain a strong player in European tourism while continuously improving the living conditions of its residents.
