Interview with the Prefecture of Corfu, Mr. Stefanos Poulimenos

“Our guests must experience the many places of interest of our island instead of merely staying in their hotels”

In your opinion, why is Corfu considered one of the most popular tourist destinations?

Corfu derives elements of its good name from the ancient text, The Odyssey, written by the most famous poet of antiquity, Homer.
 Many European travellers discovered the island in the 18th and 19th centuries, and gave descriptions of it. During the British rule, there were many British citizens who came and visited Corfu. It has always been a crossroad for many civilizations.
At the end of the 19th century, the presence of Empress Elizabeth of Austro-Hungary (fondly known as ‘Sissy’) attracted the interest of many European royal families and other visitors, who came to see where the Empress had built her summer residence, the Achillion palace.Russia too is connected with Corfu, as in 1799 the Russian army occupied the island and stayed for approximately 8 years.
The French have also governed Corfu (Democrats and Imperialists) for 10 years, and the British for 50 years. Corfu was not only chosen as a summer residence by the Empress Elizabeth but it also held the preference of the Greek royal family. Corfu was also the seat of the temporary Serbian government during the Grate War.
I would like to remark that the tempestuous history of the island, which is connected with many European peoples and great international personalities, in combination with the rich Corfiot cultural traditions and unique natural environment were the fundamental reasons that established Corfu, very early, as one of the most important tourist destinations for Europeans.

How do you plan to promote the image of Corfu abroad?

The promotion of Corfu abroad is done in various ways. Opportunities are available through the internet, as well as the many leaflets which are published by the local municipalities, and the prefecture. Corfu is also represented at the largest international tourist exhibitions.
Nevertheless, I believe the major factor which either promotes or defames the island is the opinion of the guests themselves carry after their stay here. The island receives more than a million visitors every year. I think this is the most important parameter when it comes to the advertisement of our island.
What I mean by this is the guest who leaves Corfu feeling pleased is the one who will feel the need to return, and to communicate the good reputation of the island for holidays by word of mouth in their own country, where they live and work.

What do you think is missing for visitors to Corfu, and what are your plans to rectify this?

What we realise is missing is to connect the visitor with what is happening on the island. Guests should be able to participate in cultural, religious, popular and authentic events of Corfiot life. This way, the visitor will be connected with the inhabitants of Corfu and will acquire experiences which will remain indelible in their memory. This will be exactly what will make them want to advertise our island and to return here again.
We are planning to list all of the significant happenings that take place in the prefecture and to include them in our Index of Special Events, enabling visitors to know which events they will be able to attend during their holiday.

On the 8th of April we celebrate Easter, where Corfu is one of the first choices for visitors. What do you think makes Easter so special in Corfu?

Easter in Corfu is unique. It starts from Palm Sunday when the biggest litany of the year takes place, with the participation of the island’s philharmonic orchestras and thousands of Corfiots who gather in Corfu Town to honour the patron saint of the island, Saint Spiridon.
The celebrations continue during the week, all carried out in a deeply religious atmosphere. The architecture of the city and the beauty of the surrounding villages where the events are celebrated is combined with the glorious Corfiot spring to create an emotional and inspirational atmosphere. By participating in these events, the visitor connects with Corfiot life and becomes the best advertiser possible.
This is mainly the case with tourists from within Greece who come in their thousands during Easter and have established Corfu as the number one destination during this period.
I am afraid that we have not given the promotion of Easter in Corfu enough prominence abroad. If we do this we will certainly attract many visitors from all over Europe. This means though that we will also need to improve facilities on the island to receive guests in greater numbers during the Easter period.

Easter this year is celebrated relatively early. Do you believe that Corfu will be ready to meet the expectations of its of visitors?

Corfu ought to be ready. Everybody has to start preparing from now. All of us, the municipalities and the prefecture, the tourist industry and other professionals ought to create the best conditions for our guests’ holidays in Corfu. We must preserve at any cost the good name of Corfu at Easter.
The unique nature of the Corfiot Easter has to remain as special and traditional as it has always been to attract even more guests, both Greek and international.

What would you like to say to all who are planning to visit Corfu this year?

I would suggest that they become well informed about the beauties of the island. They should participate in events which express the nature of Corfiot life.
Our guests must experience the many places of interest of our island.
Instead of merely staying in their hotels, I suggest that they communicate with locals and enjoy the beauties of Corfu by taking every chance and opportunity that appears.