Ithaca, which until today remained a “virgin” place in terms of major tourist infrastructures, entered the investment “target” of the well-known Tsakou family.
The limited liability company “Atokos”, which takes its name from the islet of the Ionian Sea, which is located north of Ithaca and is owned by the Tsakou shipping family, submitted an investment file a few days ago to Enterprise Greece, which approves strategic investments, for the tourist unit in Ithaca.
The proposed investment project “Construction and Operation of a Luxury Tourist Unit at Thesi Filiatro Ithaca” which bears the name “Epic O”, concerns the development of hotel accommodation, luxury residences, business activities and a tourist port on an area of 326,833.59m², within a wider private plot of total area 873,647.17 m², in the area of Filiatro Ithaki.
Its goal is the combination of high-standard tourist development with the protection of the ecosystem of the wider area, and the promotion of the historical and cultural identity of Ithaca.
The investment entity requests the inclusion of the project in the provisions of Law 4864/2021 as a Strategic Investment in the “Strategic Investments 1” category, as well as the receipt of Zoning and Rapid Licensing incentives, as well as the granting of the right to use the seafront and beach. The total amount of the proposed investment is budgeted at 85.45 million euros.
The Tsakou family is the owner of the neighboring and uninhabited but visitable island of Atokos, located between Ithaca and Aitoloakarnania. It is a rocky island with an area of 4.5 square kilometers that is part of the Echinade Islands complex and belongs administratively to Ithaca. It is also a member of the Natura 2000 network family because it may be uninhabited by humans, but it is the “home” of rare marine flora.
The “unknown” islet of the Ionian is a popular destination in the world of yachting. In fact, the members of the Tsakou family, as it is said, appear once a year to organize a table on the beach, which has been named “One House Bay”, because there is also the only building on the island, the small church of Agios Ioannis .
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Interview with Maria Tsakou, Representative of Atokos Ltd.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Maria. Ithaca is known for its untouched beauty. What drove the Tsakou family to invest in this unique destination?
Maria Tsakou: Thank you for having me. Ithaca has always held a special place in our hearts. Its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage are remarkable. We believe that with thoughtful development, we can enhance the tourism experience while preserving the island’s natural beauty.
Editor: Can you share more details about the proposed project?
Maria Tsakou: Absolutely! Our project, titled “Construction and Operation of a Luxury Tourist Unit,” will offer high-quality accommodations and amenities tailored for eco-conscious travelers. We’ve designed the project to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Editor: What can locals and visitors expect from this new development in terms of community benefits?
Maria Tsakou: We are committed to creating jobs for local residents and supporting local businesses through partnerships. We also plan to incorporate local culture and traditions into the visitor experience, helping to promote Ithaca’s unique identity.
Editor: How does the Tsakou family plan to ensure that this development aligns with sustainable tourism practices?
Maria Tsakou: Sustainability is at the core of our vision. We are integrating energy-efficient systems, utilizing local materials, and even working with environmental experts to ensure that our ecological footprint remains minimal. We want to create a model for responsible tourism that can inspire other developments.
Editor: With the tourist infrastructure expanding, do you worry about the potential impact on Ithaca’s charm?
Maria Tsakou: It’s a valid concern, but our approach is about enhancing Ithaca rather than altering it. We aim to create spaces that resonate with the island’s natural beauty and culture. Our goal is to attract visitors who appreciate and respect the authenticity of the destination.
Editor: What’s your timeline for this project?
Maria Tsakou: Once our proposal is approved by Enterprise Greece, we hope to begin construction within the next year, with the intention of opening our doors in a couple of years. We are excited about the journey ahead.
Editor: Thank you for sharing this exciting news with us, Maria. We look forward to seeing how this project unfolds in Ithaca!
Maria Tsakou: Thank you for your interest. We can’t wait to bring this vision to life and share it with everyone!
Core of our vision for this project. We are working with environmental experts to implement practices that protect the local ecosystem. This includes using sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and ensuring our operations have a low carbon footprint. Our goal is to create a model for responsible tourism that respects the natural and cultural resources of Ithaca.
Editor: The investment is substantial, with a budget of 85.45 million euros. What steps are being taken to ensure transparency and community involvement throughout the investment process?
Maria Tsakou: Transparency is very important to us. We are committed to engaging with the local community throughout the entirety of the project. This means holding informational sessions, allowing residents to voice their opinions, and ensuring that the development meets the community’s needs and expectations. We truly want this to be a collaborative effort.
Editor: how do you envision the future of Ithaca with the introduction of this luxury tourist unit?
Maria Tsakou: We envision Ithaca becoming a sought-after destination that remains true to its roots. Our hope is that “Epic O” will attract eco-conscious travelers who value the island’s beauty and culture. We aim for Ithaca to thrive economically while remaining a pristine paradise that both locals and visitors can cherish for years to come.
Editor: Thank you, Maria, for sharing these insights about your exciting project in Ithaca. We look forward to seeing how it unfolds.
Maria Tsakou: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting opportunity, and I appreciate your interest in our vision for Ithaca.
