Page 33 - ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL 2023

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
word of mouth

A mong the main objectives for the next Attica reflects the priority framework that our administration has given

five years of the Region is the regener-
to “green” transportation and enhancing sustainable urban mobility.
ation of the Attica Riviera. In the con-
To what extent does the continuous development of the Attica
text of the creation of the appropriate
Riviera contribute to the attraction of new investments and the
infrastructure, such as the new road
development of tourism in Athens?
route Varkiza - Sounio, what other ac-
It is important to mention first of all that the Attica Riviera is expect-
tions shape the promotion of the mod-
ed to develop as a separate tourist destination, i.e. the “Attica Rivi-
ern destination?
era destination” which will represent the main economic hub of the
We envision the Attica Riviera as the jewel
of the Attica region, the coastal front that
already being implemented, the area is also gathering huge attention in
runs from Piraeus to Sounion, which de-
terms of high-level international investment interest. Moreover, tour-
serves to be considered on par with the Franco-Italian “Riviera”. It is Southeastern Mediterranean. In addition to the investments that are
ist demand is increasing, as seen in arrivals and overnight stays, as well
going to uniquely highlight the area’s natural beauty, Attica’s excellent as the attraction of higher value-added tourism, which is estimated
climate and the genuine Greek hospitality channeling through high to escalate tourism revenues, cruise visitors, and of course revenues
quality hotel facilities. Right from the first day that we were placed at related to catering, sea and air transport, conference tourism and, in-
the helm of the Attica Region, we worked towards a targeted and holis- evitably, the value of real estate. Finally, additional investments in ho-
tic regeneration of the Attica Riviera featuring infrastructure projects, tel accommodation and other tourist accommodation are a given, as
which start from Mikrolimano, Faliro Bay all the way through to the estimated by the relevant INSETE report on Greek Tourism 2030.
port of Lavrion. That includes the new asphalt paving along the entire What are your plans for the model regeneration of Greece’s largest
coastal road, and of course the single pedestrian-bicycle path from Pirae- Ecological Park in Faliro?
us (Moschato-Tavros Municipality) to Vouliagmeni that will infuse new The completion of the Faliro Bay regeneration works will highlight an
life to the coastal front. At the same time, focusing on maritime tour- area showcasing both metropolitan and hyperlocal scope on the coast-
ism and the yachting boom in Attica, we are contributing, via generous al front of Attica, thereby restoring the connection between the urban
funding, to the expansion of the cruise terminal at the port of Piraeus, landscape and the sea front. Faliro Bay will be connected through the
with the aim of improving its status on the international cruise map, as existing Esplanade with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural
well as upgrading the Flisvos marina and redeveloping the Alimos ma- Center and the park it includes, as well as with Flisvos Park, creating a
rina. The plan may sound rather grandiose, but we are driven by a sense huge open space of greenery, recreation and various tourist-oriented ac-
of enthusiasm and by properly organizing its realization, with an eye to tivities, attracting tourist investments that will extend from Mikrolimano
creating a very different future for the cosmopolitan coastal Attica region to Palaio Faliro. The area’s environmental upgrading foresees the creation
which is sure to charm even the most demanding travelers in the world. of a Metropolitan Park with a total area of about 600 acres focusing on
What is your vision for the implementation of the single network nature, culture, sports and entertainment. Apart from the pedestrian
of cycle paths and pedestrian paths in the Attica Riviera and how bridges that will be constructed (at Ilissos, the western canal towards
will it radically change the coastal front of Attica? Kifissos, etc.), five special constructions have been envisaged as reference
This project has been named the “Athenian Riviera - Urban Prome- points for the park. They will be studied by expert architects – artists,
nade” and concerns a single network of pedestrian-bicycle paths of 13.5 who will also be responsible for their supervision and construction. 
km which crosses through six municipalities within Attica (Kallithea, P.
Faliro, Alimos, Ellinikon-Argyroupoli, Glyfada, Vari-Voula-Vouliagme-
ni). The goal is for the project to be delivered at the end of 2025, and it
is going to completely reshape the coastal front, as it will have created an "The Attica Riviera
upgraded free public space for pedestrians and cyclists, to be shared and
enjoyed by Attica residents, visitors and tourists alike. It is a large network is expected to develop
of cycle paths, which will integrate sites along the way, pedestrian zones,
increased green spaces, stopping points and other facilities. We also be- as a separate tourist
lieve in the tourist potential of the Riviera cycle path, as cycling tourism destination, i.e. the
represents sustainable tourism very well. An integral part of our tourism
strategy is to strengthen the region’s sustainable profile and it is no coin- ‘Attica Riviera destination’
cidence that Attica has already been named by the World Travel Awards
as Europe’s Top Sustainable Tourism destination, as of 2022, winning which will represent
the 1st place amongst other globally recognized, distinguished destina-
tions. Cycling tourism, which is gaining popularity all over the world, the main economic hub
is oriented towards more sustainable forms of holidays that allow for a
much lower consumption of natural resources and a stronger connection of the Southeastern
with the land, as well as the culture and traditions of the destination. Our
targeting and investment in the creation of a network of bicycle lanes in Mediterranean."

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