Destination & Next Generation: Co-creating the Future in Folegandros

A vision – numerous concerns – passion & love for Greece’s unique destinations – a crucial period threatening local identity & authenticity – a new generation in the rural areas of the country that must act as custodians in order to save, preserve and regenerate their destinations.

The above thoughts are some of the reasons behind the creation of Non-Profit Organisation Eudaimonia Tourism and the program ‘Destination & Next Generation: Co-Creating the Future’.

For the first time in Greece, a strategic initiative on education and inspiration, focusing on specific destinations with unique identities, encouraging local community and youth involvement, to achieve:
• heritage & uniqueness preservation
• holistic tourism conscience
• balance in a thriving tourism economy without compromising local future generations’ well-being and prosperity

Last weekend 20-21 April, we completed the first program in Folegandros island, Cyclades.

Thank you to the Municipality of Folegandros, local Junior & High School Parent Associations for trusting and supporting the project.

👦🏼🧒🏻24 student participants from year 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9.

🕒 On Saturday morning the students completed a questionnaire researching contemporary issues which concern them focusing on their destination, interests and tourism.

🧳 On Saturday & Sunday morning the students engaged in an immersive presentation, discussion and holistic introduction to travel & tourism.

🌱 Eudaimonia Tourism team member Varvara Kouneli (Agronomist & Environmental Project Manager Open Farm) travelled with us.

🪴The local students learned with Varvara, all about the most important native herbs and created a pilot herb garden in the school playground.

🙏 A huge thank you to the ‘Eudaimonia Tourism – Folegandros Community Team’ for their participation, enthusiasm, unique local heritage workshops and for coordinating everything locally:

Elektra Karasavvidou (Folegandros Junior & High School Teacher)
🥾 Workshop: Exploring the paths of Folegandros

Maria Marinaki (H Kouzina Tis Giagias – Folegandros Women Association)
🍝 Workshop: Preparing Matsata, Folegandros handmade pasta

Alexis Sideris (President of the Cultural Association of Folegandros)
🪨 Workshop: Preserving the art of dry stone walling

Transport sponsor: Seajets
Accommodation: Municipality of Folegandros

This project was funded by Eudaimonia Tourism Non-Profit Organisation.