On May 27, 2026, a successful seminar was held at the Tourist Pavilion of Monemvasia, organized by the Chamber of Lakonia in collaboration with the Peloponnese Region, the Peloponnese Tourism Organization, and the Municipality of Monemvasia. The seminar focused on the theme: “Agro-nutrition and Tourism in Lakonia: Creating Integrated Local Identities.”
In his opening speech, the President of the Chamber of Lakonia emphasized the importance of sustainable development as a strategic choice. He noted that Lakonia possesses all the comparative advantages necessary for success. Through collaboration, planning, and a shared vision, a new productive model can be created that respects the environment, strengthens the local economy, and enhances quality of life. He asserted that Lakonia could serve as a model for balanced development, where the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors operate complementarily, fostering a sustainable and optimistic future.
The President of the Peloponnese Tourism Organization, Professor Konstantinos Marinakos, highlighted that the primary sector and tourism are the backbone of the Lakonian economy. He pointed out the region’s strong agricultural production, particularly in olive oil and citrus fruits, alongside a diverse tourism sector rooted in history (Ancient Sparta, Mystras, Monemvasia), unique nature (Mani), and agrotourism. He stressed that the true potential of Lakonia lies in the synergy between these two sectors, where combining vacations with authentic local flavors and visits to farms or olive oil mills can create a high-quality, value-added tourism product for the broader area.
Greetings were also delivered by the Deputy Regional Governor of Lakonia, Theodoros Veroutis, and the President of the Municipal Council of Monemvasia and Chair of the Tourism Committee, Katerina Tsafatinou. Additionally, messages from the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Giannis Andrianos, and MPs Neoklis Kritikos and Nadia Grigorakou, who were unable to attend, were read during the event.
The seminar featured three panels:
Panel 1: Focused on «Primary Sector & Tourism as Key Pillars of Local Economic Development.» It was moderated by Peggy Brousal, a journalist from ERT, with presentations from George Kavvathas, President of the General Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants of Greece (GSEVEE), and Dr. Konstantinos Marinakos.
Panel 2: Addressed «Synergies between Local Authorities and Productive Bodies for the Development of the Agricultural Economy and Tourism.» This session was coordinated by Fotini Makdonoopoulou, with contributions from Theodoros Veroutis, Thanos Michelogonas, President of the Chamber Ioannis Panaritis, and Katerina Tsafatinou.
Panel 3: Discussed «Transforming Agricultural Products into High-Quality Experiences for Visitors.» It was led by Thanos Michelogonas, featuring insights from George Lampropoulos, General Director of Kinsterna Hotel Monemvasia, George Tsimbidis from Tsimbidis Winery, Sofia Dionysopoulou from Delta Moreas, and Konstantinos Panagiotakos from Sparta Spirit.
The speakers analyzed the topic from multiple perspectives, identifying areas that required further exploration. They focused on the dynamic comparative advantages found in Lakonia and thoroughly discussed the necessity for tourism to be closely linked with agro-nutrition, as well as the primary and secondary sectors of the economy.
Representatives from participating businesses shared best practices in agrotourism, their experiences, and future expectations, emphasizing the need for state support in this endeavor.
