The campaign promoting the Ionian Islands unfurled its banner in Sydney’s Holiday and Travel Show last week, capping a pioneering visit by a senior delegation from the region.
Vice Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Christos Skourtis said in Sydney that the Ionian region continues to challenge the current economic difficulties being felt in Greece.

“Our cultural and entrepreneurial spirit are igniting an economic renaissance on the islands” said Mr Skourtis.
Mr Skourtis, who led the delegation, added that the cultural and environmental diversity of Corfu, Paxos, Ithaca, Kefallinia and Lefkas make the Ionian Islands unique in the Mediterranean.

“The islands have been a cultural crossroads from 1700BC to now, Ancient Greeks, Eretrians, Romans, later the Byzantines, then Venetians, French and finally the British have all impacted on the Ionians.”
During presentations in Sydney and Melbourne the Ionian promoters encouraged Australian visitors ‘doing Europe’ to make use of the increasing number of direct flights from Italy to access the islands.
The Sydney presentation by the Ionian Inspires Australians campaign followed promotional events in Melbourne aimed at encouraging greater trade and cultural connections between the Ionian region and Australia.
During meetings with business leaders in both cities, opportunities for expanding imports of Ionian natural products and foodstuffs were discussed.

The initiative to grow further links between the region and Australia developed as a result of the inaugural tour to Corfu by the Melbourne-based Australian Hellenic Cricket Federation in 2010.
Campaign organisers are keen to continue pursuing collaborative trade, cultural and sporting projects between Australia and the Ionian. For further details go to www.ionianinspires.com