Diazoma’s proposal for the creation of a cultural itinerary focusing at the ancient theaters of Epirus

Mr John Zirinis – member of “Diazoma” and advisor in the  Ministry of Development – deposits his impressions about the cultural itinerary for the ancient theaters of Epirus after the presentation during the Annual Meeting of the European Commission with Greek authorities – the Ministries of Development and Employment.

Diazoma’ s proposal for the creation of a cultural itinerary for the ancient theaters of Epirus, as a branded tourism product, begins to take shape. The Region of Epirus incorporated this new program in the projects of the 5^thProgramming Period (new ESPA 2014-2020). The Ministry of Culture actively supports this project and the European Commission expresses its active interest. The first phase of the project, concerning the infrastructure and soft actions which are essential for the creation of an integrated tourism product, was presented on November 27^th by the Region of Epirus at the Annual Meeting of the European Commission with Greek authorities – the Ministries of Development and Employment.

The proposal received very positive commentary from both sides. They all highlighted the importance of the integrated approach of this proposal: transportation infrastructure and signs, restoration projects, development of digital products for the monuments, IT and telecom infrastructure, certification of local businesses and their integration into a net, training of those who will be working in this net. It was also stressed that this project constitutes an action guide for sustainable development in each region, since it combines promotion of cultural resources, mobilization of local communities and collaboration with healthy entrepreneurship and  will ultimately create new jobs and raise living standards.