Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Mardas visited the Lesvos Chamber of Commerce and discussed with the president and member of the Administrative Committee the potential for cooperation aimed at improving the image and promotion of the island abroad.
It was ascertained that the international mass media coverage of the refugee problem on the island, combined with the presentation of images that do not reflect the reality of the situation, need to be confronted through communication and extroversion actions that do reflect the reality of the situation.
In the context of the promotion of the island through Foreign Ministry actions, there was a discussion of, among other things, the hosting of a Joint Interministerial Committee meeting on Mytilene.
Mr. Mardas also attended the second international music festival in Molyvos and visited hot-spring and beverage businesses on the island. It should be noted that a working group of Mr. Mardas’ associates has submitted a comprehensive strategic plan to the Deputy Minister of Tourism for development of the country’s hot springs.
Finally, Mr. Mardas and the Regional Director discussed the remaining problems with regard to the reopening of the defunct “Charlitza” hotel, which was built in 1909 and ceased operating in 1980 as a spa therapy center.
Expenses for Mr. Mardas’ visit were not covered by the Foreign Ministry budget.
August 24, 2016