Greece and South Korea Partner to Boost Sustainable Tourism in the Ionian Islands – Travel And Tour World

Report on the Ionian Islands Region’s Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Tourism

Published: November 12, 2025

This report outlines the strategic initiatives undertaken by the Ionian Islands Region to advance sustainable tourism, with a significant focus on aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A key development is the establishment of a cooperative framework with South Korea, formalized during the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025.

Fostering Global Partnerships for Sustainable Goals (SDG 17)

At WTM 2025 in London, the Ionian Islands Region signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Organising Committee of the World Islands Expo 2026. This partnership exemplifies a commitment to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by creating a bilateral relationship to promote shared objectives in sustainability and cultural diplomacy.

Key Objectives of the Memorandum:

• To brand and promote the Ionian Islands as a premier sustainable island destination to an international audience, particularly in South Korea and the broader Asian market.
• To facilitate the exchange of information and advocacy related to responsible tourism practices.
• To leverage the World Islands Expo 2026 as a platform for global dialogue on the ecological and cultural importance of islands.

Integrating Sustainable Development Goals into Tourism Strategy

The collaboration between the Ionian Islands and South Korea is fundamentally structured around the principles of the SDGs, aiming to create a tourism model that is environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable.

Alignment with Specific SDGs:

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The strategy aims to develop and promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products, directly contributing to Target 8.9. The focus on eco-friendly hotels, green transport systems, and local artisanal products enhances the regional economy sustainably.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: A core component of the initiative is the safeguarding of the islands’ rich cultural and natural heritage, including historical monuments and ancient structures, in line with Target 11.4.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The partnership promotes responsible tourism practices that benefit local communities and tourists. By emphasizing sustainable agriculture and local cuisine, the region encourages responsible consumption patterns.
4. SDG 14: Life Below Water: The conservation of the region’s marine ecosystems is a priority. Protection efforts for areas such as the Blue Caves of Zakynthos are critical to preserving marine biodiversity and supporting sustainable tourism.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land: The careful safeguarding of the islands’ terrestrial habitats, natural parks, and forests is integral to the sustainable tourism model, ensuring the long-term health of these ecosystems.

The World Islands Expo 2026: A Platform for Advancing the 2030 Agenda

The upcoming World Islands Expo 2026 in Yeosu, South Korea, themed “Island: Linking Ocean with Future,” provides a significant opportunity for the Ionian Islands to showcase their commitment to the SDGs on a global stage.

Strategic Goals for the Expo:

• To demonstrate leadership in sustainable and responsible tourism practices within the Mediterranean.
• To exchange knowledge and strategies with other island nations on mitigating the impacts of climate change (SDG 13: Climate Action), over-tourism, and environmental degradation.
• To attract a diverse international clientele interested in authentic, eco-conscious travel experiences.
• To strengthen international ties and foster further collaborations that promote sustainable development in island regions worldwide, reinforcing SDG 17.

Conclusion: A Model for Sustainable Regional Development

The strategic partnership with South Korea and participation in the World Islands Expo 2026 position the Ionian Islands Region as a proactive contributor to the global sustainability agenda. By embedding the SDGs into its core tourism strategy, the region is not only enhancing its international appeal but also creating a resilient and responsible development model. This balanced approach is set to influence sustainable travel policies across the Mediterranean and serve as a benchmark for integrating cultural preservation, ecological conservation, and economic growth.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The article highlights the promotion of sustainable tourism as a means for economic growth for the Ionian Islands. It mentions the goal to “expand their international visitor base” and attract “tourists willing to pay for sustainable tourism and ecological practices.” This aligns with creating economic value through sustainable tourism.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The article emphasizes the importance of the islands’ cultural heritage, mentioning their “rich cultural history,” “ancient historical sites,” “historical monuments, and antique structures.” The partnership aims to ensure the “conservation of the islands’ cultures,” which is a key aspect of making communities sustainable.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• The central theme of the article is “responsible travel” and “sustainable tourism.” It discusses the Ionian Islands being “branded and promoted as a sustainable island destination” and developing “responsible tourism practices that benefit the residents and the tourists.” This directly relates to promoting sustainable patterns of consumption and production within the tourism industry.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• The article explicitly states that the “sustainable expenditure of tourism on the Ionian Islands hinges on the conservation of the region’s marine ecosystems and associated wildlife, particularly surrounding the Blue Caves of Zakynthos.” This shows a direct connection to protecting marine life and ecosystems.

SDG 15: Life on Land

• The text points to the need for “careful safeguarding of the islands’ habitats” and mentions the islands’ “charming natural parks and exotic forests.” The promotion of “ecological conservation objectives” at the World Islands Expo 2026 further connects the islands’ strategy to the protection of terrestrial ecosystems.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The entire article is centered around a partnership. The “Memorandum of Cooperation with the Organising Committee of the World Islands Expo 2026” signed between the Ionian Islands Region and South Korea is a clear example of a global partnership to achieve sustainable development goals through shared knowledge and promotion.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

Target 8.9: Promote sustainable tourism

• The article details a comprehensive strategy to “promote sustainable tourism” in the Ionian Islands. This includes branding the region as a sustainable destination, promoting “local cuisine and artisanal products,” and creating tourism policies that are “responsible and culturally authentic.”

Target 11.4: Protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage

• The partnership’s aim to ensure the “conservation of the islands’ cultures” and the promotion of its “ancient historical sites, historical monuments, and antique structures” directly supports the goal of strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard cultural heritage.

Target 12.b: Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable tourism impacts

• The article discusses the Ionian Islands’ “new focus on tourism management,” including the effects of “eco-friendly hotels” and “green transport systems.” Their participation in the World Islands Expo to “showcase strategies on fostering tourism sustainability” is a step towards developing and sharing tools and practices for sustainable tourism.

Target 14.2: Protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems

• The article specifically mentions the importance of the “conservation of the region’s marine ecosystems and associated wildlife” as a cornerstone of their sustainable tourism model, directly aligning with the goal of sustainably managing and protecting these environments.

Target 15.1: Conserve and restore terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems

• The strategy described in the article includes the “careful safeguarding of the islands’ habitats” and leverages its “charming natural parks and exotic forests” as assets for sustainable tourism, which contributes to the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.

Target 17.17: Encourage effective partnerships

• The “Memorandum of Cooperation” between the Ionian Islands and the World Islands Expo in South Korea is a multi-stakeholder partnership designed to “encourage global conversations on responsible travel” and “promote sustainable tourism development” through collaboration and information exchange.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

Indicator for Target 8.9

• An implied indicator is the increase in the number of international visitors from new markets, as the article states a goal to “expand their international visitor base” and “access new diverse international clientele, including clients from South Korea, and other Asian countries.”

Indicator for Target 11.4

• Progress can be measured by the implementation of policies and programs aimed at the “conservation of the islands’ cultures” and the preservation of their “historical monuments.” The promotion of these sites as part of the tourism package is an indicator of this effort.

Indicator for Target 12.b

• The article implies indicators such as the number of “eco-friendly hotels” established and the implementation of “green transport systems.” The development and sharing of “strategies on fostering tourism sustainability” at the Expo is another measurable outcome.

Indicator for Target 14.2

• A specific indicator is the implementation of conservation measures for “the region’s marine ecosystems and associated wildlife, particularly surrounding the Blue Caves of Zakynthos.”

Indicator for Target 15.1

• The establishment of protected areas and management plans for the “islands’ habitats,” including “natural parks and exotic forests,” serves as a clear indicator of progress.

Indicator for Target 17.17

• The primary indicator mentioned is the formal “Memorandum of Cooperation” signed at WTM 2025. The ongoing “exchange of information and advocacy” between the partners is a measure of the partnership’s activity and effectiveness.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: travelandtourworld.com