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Tourism is the principle economic activity of
the Ionian Islands. It is one of the most crucial factors in the growth and
development of the local economy. However, the range of destinations available
to tourists is increasing every year and, with this in mind, it is vital that
the Ionian region develops effective ways of meeting the new challenges
presented by this intensely competitive business environment. In today's world of tourism that offers the
holidaymaker a plethora of destinations it is not enough to simply rely on the
historical and natural beauty of a region to attract more visitors. The focus of
modern tourist management needs to be an understanding of the rapid changes in
the industry and the ability to harness the mountains of technology now
available together with effective personnel management in a way that will
contribute to balanced and sustainable economic growth for the entire region. In order to present the Ionian Islands in an integrated
way that incorporates up-to-date and detailed information from the various
destinations within it, it is necessary to establish a united body to promote
tourism across the whole region. This organisation should include local
governments, departments of growth and development, employment groups in the
tourist industry and public funding boards. With this in mind the Tourism in the Ionian Islands
Company (I.T.C. S.A.) was established in April 2002. This innovative pilot
company for Greece is based in Lefkada with branches in Corfu, Kefalonia and
Zakynthos. The president of I.T.C. is the General Secretary of the Ionian
Islands Region, Mr Nikos Tampakidis and the Advice Manager is Mr Panagiotis
Skliros. The active involvement and contributions of the
Organisation of Local Authorities and the business community of the Ionian
Islands, who make up the tourist sector, will play a significant part in
maximising the achievements of this organisation, which will benefit all the
inhabitants of the region. The fundamental goal of I.T.C. is to support and
promote the secure growth of the tourist industry within the Ionian Region by
continually upgrading the quality of both the product offered and its
presentation. Ôhe I.T.C. is a member of the World Tourist Organisation
(W.T.O) and the Association of Independent Tour Operators (A.I.T.O.). |