Epirus Basic Features

EGNATIA EPIRUS Foundation
EPIRUS: Basic Features Page 1

THE REGION OF EPIRUS

Basic Features

Ioannina, November 1996
Table of Contents

1. Introduction...................................................................................................................... 1
2. Population Characteristics ............................................................................................. 5
2.1 Evolution of the Population.........................................................................................5
2.2 Urban, Semi-urban and Rural Population..................................................................10
2.3 Population bt Age-group and Sex..............................................................................14
3. Natural Resources...........................................................................................................17
3.1 Geomorphology..........................................................................................................17
3.2 Mountains...................................................................................................................18
3.3 Water Resources........................................................................................................19
3.4 Vegetation..................................................................................................................20
3.5 Flora and Fauna.........................................................................................................20
3.6 Mineral Resources .....................................................................................................22
3.7 Pollution of the Environment ......................................................................................23
4. Natural, Cultural and Other Attractions ........................................................................ 24
4.1 Natural Attractions......................................................................................................24
4.2 Cultural Attractions.....................................................................................................28
4.3 Other Attractions.........................................................................................................31
5. Infrastructure ................................................................................................................... 32
5.1 Settlements.................................................................................................................32
5.2 Education....................................................................................................................32
5.3 Health.........................................................................................................................34
5.4 Transportation Infrastructure......................................................................................35
5.4.1 Roads...............................................................................................................35
5.4.2 Harbours..........................................................................................................38
5.4.3 Airports.............................................................................................................38
5.4.4 Railways ..........................................................................................................39
5.5 Telecommunications Infrastructure............................................................................39
6. The Economy ................................................................................................................... 40
6.1 Primary Sector............................................................................................................40
6.2 Secondary Sector.......................................................................................................42
6.3 Tertiary Sector............................................................................................................48
6.4 Basic Economic Indices .............................................................................................50
APPENDICES
Appendix A ............................................................................................................................52

1. Introduction

The region of Epirus is located in the northwest of Greece and is bordered by the Ionian Sea
to the west, the Pindus mountain-range to the east and Albania to the north. It includes the
prefectures of Ioannina, Thesprotia, Arta and Preveza. According to the 1991 census, the
region has a population of 339,047 inhabitants which represents approximately 3.3% of the
total population of Greece. It is one of the most sparsely populated regions of Greece with a
population density of 36.8 inhabitants per square kilometre, compared to a national average
of 77.7
1
.

The geomorphology of Epirus is largely mountainous, with an abundance of surface waters
(rivers, lakes and lagoons), extensive forests and unique flora and fauna. The total area of
Epirus is 9,203 square kilometres of which 9,7% is flat land, 12,9% is semi-mountainous and
the remainder is mountainous
2
. Although figures vary according to the source used,
approximately 15% of the land area is devoted to agricultural holdings, 55% is covered by
grassland and used for mountain grazing, 26% is covered by forests and 2.5% is covered by
surface waters
3
. Urban and related activities account for the use of the remainder of the land.
The region is dominated by the mountain-range of Pindus whose highest peak reaches
approximately 2.600
4
. Pindus, which enters Greece from Albania, constitutes a natural barrier
to the east between Epirus and the rest of Greece and is the main reason for the regions
historic isolation. In general, the region has poor communication routes both internally and
externally. On the west coast of the region, the port of Igoumenitsa lacks the necessary
infrastructure to service large numbers of passengers and large volumes of freight
merchandise and is not connected to the rest of Greece by adequate transportation networks.
The port of Preveza, although well organised, cannot be expanded since it is located in the
Amvrakikos Bay, which is protected under the Ramsar Treaty. The rather long and
cumbersome route toward southern Greece is interrupted by the sea passage of Rio-
Antirrion, which is sensitive to weather conditions.
The climate of Epirus is Mediterranean in the west and south, with hot summers and cold
winters in central Epirus and cold in the mountainous regions, where both rainfall and
snowfall are commonplace. The mountain-range of Pindus is covered by snow year-round.
The region of Epirus is traditionally described as underdeveloped
5
. It is characterised by low
birth rates, aging of the population, a wide dispersion and polarisation of settlements and a

1
Regional J ob Markets. A study of the Region of Epirus, Ioannina, December, 1993,
p.11(hereinafter, Regional job Markets. A study of the Region of Epirus)
2
Regional job Markets. A study of the Region of Epirus, p. 8.
3
Human Resources & Communication Highways, Symposium & Workshops, Metsovo, May 8-
12, 1992-Proceedings, Workshop 3-Human Resources, Chapter 1, p. 382 (hereinafter,
Human Recourses).
4
Prefecture of Ioannina-Proposals for Land Use Planning (Summary Structural Intervention
Plan)-Athens, May 1984.
5
Regional J ob Markets. A study of the Region of Epirus, p. 10.
tendency towards the accumulation of the population in urban and semi-urban areas
6
. It is
considered one of the most problematic regions in the European Union (EU) with an EU
ranking of 13 for the year 1987 and an EU index of 54.4. Indices on the basis of Gross
Regional Product (GRP) place Epirus in last place with a GRP index of 73.8 for the year 1974
and 81.4 for the year 1981 (on the basis of a GRP index of 73.8 for the year 1974 and 81.4
for the year 1981 (on the basis of a GRP index of 100 for Greece as a whole)
7
.

6
Human Resources, Workshop 1-Information and technologies, Chapter 3, p. 167-168.
7

2. Population Characteristics

2.1 Evolution of the Population

The population of Epirus, in 1991, was 339,047 inhabitants
8
. The evolution of the regions
population as compared to the evolution of Greeces population from 1951 through to 1991 is
shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Population of Epirus 1951-1991

TERRITORIAL

UNIT/YEAR

1951

1961

1971

1981

1991

Epirus 330.543 352.604 310.334

324.541 339.037

Greece 7.632.801 8.388.553 8.768.641

9.740.417 10.256.464

Source: NSO

Table 2 and Diagram 1 present the evolution of the regions population by prefecture for the
years 1951 through to 1991 and Table 2A presents the yearly rates of increase or decrease
of the regions population by prefecture for the same period.

Table 2: Population of Epirus by Prefecture 1951-1991

TERRITORIAL

UNIT/YEAR

1951

1961

1971

1981

1991

Prefecture of
Ioannina

153,748

155,326

134,688

147,304

157,214

Prefecture of
Thesprotia

47,299

52,125

40,684

41,278

44,413

Prefecture of Arta

72,717

82,630

78,376

80,044

78,884

Prefecture of
Preveza

56,779

62,523

56,586

55,915

58,536

Epirus

330.543

352.604

310.334

324.541

339.037

Greece

7.632.801

8.388.553

8.768.641

9.740.417

10.256.464

Source: NSO, Regional Job Markets, A Study of the Region of Epirus.

8
National Statistical Office, Census Results 1991.

Diagram 1: Population Growth

0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
Ioannina Thesprotia Arta Preveza Epirus
1951 1961 1971 1981 1991

Table 2A: Average Yearly Rate of Change of the Population of Epirus by
Prefecture (expressed in %)

TERRITORIAL

UNIT/YEAR

1951-1961

1961-1971

1971-1981

1981-1991

1951-1991

Prefecture of
Ioannina

0.10

-1.42

0.90

0.65

0.06

Prefecture of

Thesprotia

0.98

-2.45

0.15

0.69

-0.17

Prefecture of Arta

1.29

-0.53

0.21

-0.15

0.20

Prefecture of

Preveza

0.97

-0.99

-0.12

0.52

0.09

Epirus

0.64

-1.27

0.45

0.44

0.26

Greece

0.95

0.44

1.06

0.52

0.73

Source: Regional Job Markets, A Study of the Region of Epirus, p.12.

During the period of 1951-1961, the population of all of the prefectures of Epirus increased.
The yearly rates of increase for the prefectures of Arta, Thesprotia and Preveza were higher
than the corresponding rate of increase for the country as a whole. The period of 1961-1971
is marked by a rather dramatic decrease in the population of the region and each of its
prefectures. Although this decrease is reversed in the next two decades, the population of the
region as a whole, in 1991, has not reached its 1961 level. During the period of 1971-1981,
the yearly rate of increase of the population of all of the prefectures of the region was equal to
or greater than the corresponding rate of increase for the country as a whole, with the
exception of the prefecture of Arta whose population declined.

In 1991, the population of Epirus represented close to 3.3% of the total population of Greece
compared to 4.5% in 1951 and 4.2% in 1961. During the period from 1951 through to 1991,
the yearly rate of increase of the regions population is approximately one third of the
corresponding rate of increase for the country as a whole.

Table 3 shows the evolution of the regions population by province for the years 1951 through
to 1991 and Table 3A, the yearly rates of increase or decrease of the regions population by
province for the period from 1961 through to 1991.

Table 3: Population by Province 1951-1991

TERRITORIAL
UNIT/YEAR

1951

1961

1971

1981

1991

PREFECTURE OF IOANNINA

Province of Dodoni 124.653 126.156 113.153

125.250 135.666

Province of Konitsa 13.915 14.405 10.037

9.663 9.269

Province of Metsovo 5.727 6.255 5.612

5.664 5.828

Province of Pogoni 9.453 8.510 5.886

6.727 6.451

TOTAL 153.748 155.326 134.688

147.304 157.214

PREFECTURE OF THESPROTIA

Province of Thiamida 9.871 12.772 12.111

13.959 15.960

Province of Margariti 5.254 6.464 5.260

5.205 5.562

Province of Souli 14.346 15.423 11.795

11.322 11.192

Province of Filiates 17.828 17.466 11.518

10.792 11.699

TOTAL 47.299 52.125 40.684

41.278 44.413

PREFECTURE OF ARTA 72.717 82.630 78.376

80.044 78.884

PREFECTURE OF
PREVEZA
56.779 62.523 56.586

55.915 58.536

EPIRUS 330.543 352.604 310.334

324.541 339.047

Source: NSO, Regional Job Markets, A Study of the Region of Epirus, p.14
Table 3A: Average Yearly Rate of Change of the Population of Epirus by Province
1961-1991 (expressed in %)

TERRITORIAL
UNIT/YEAR

1961-1971

1971-1981

1981-1991

1961-1991


Province of Dodoni -1.08 1.02 0.81

0.24

Province of Konitsa -3.55 -0.38 -0.47

-1.46

Province of Metsovo -1.08 0.09 0.24

-0.25

Province of Pogoni -3.62 1.34 -0.44

-0.93


Province of Thiamida -0.53 1.43 1.21

0.70

Province of Margariti -2.04 -0.11 0.66

-0.50

Province of Souli -2.65 -0.41 -0.10

-1.06

Province of Filiates -4.08 -0.65 0.81

-1.32

PREFECTURE OF ARTA -0.53 0.21 -0.15
-0.15

PREFECTURE OF
PREVEZA
-0.99 -0.12 0.52

-.20

Source: NSO, Regional Job Markets, A Study of the Region of Epirus, p. 14.

During the period from 1961 through to 1991, only the provinces of Dodoni and Thiamida
exhibit a positive yearly rate of change of the population, while the remainder of the provinces
exhibit a negative rate of change, the highest of which were in the provinces of Konitsa,
Filiates and Pogoni. During the period from 1961 through to 1971, the yearly rate of change of
the population is negative in all of the provinces of the region, the largest rates of decrease
again in the provinces of Konitsa, Filiates and Pogoni. The provinces of Konitsa and Pogoni
continue to exhibit a negative yearly rate of change in the 80s.

The increase and decrease of the population of Epirus by prefecture during the period of
1961 through to 1991 expressed in terms of natural change and inflow of the population are
presented in Table 4 below.
Table 4: Natural Change and Inflow of the Population of Epirus 1961-1991
(expressed in %)

REGION /
YEAR

1961-1971

1971-1981

1981-1991
Natural
Change
Inflow Populatio
n Change
Natural
Change
Inflow Populatio
n Change
Natural
Change
Inflow Populatio
n Change

Prefecture
of Arta

15

-20.1 -5.1 7.8 -5.7 2.1

1.6

-3.1 -.16

Prefecture
of
Thesprotia

10.2

-32.1 -21.9 5.7 -4.3 1.4

2.3

4.8 7.1

Prefecture
of Ioannina

8.7

-22 -13.3 6.2 3.2 9.4

1.8

4.9 6.7

Prefecture

of Preveza

12.8

-23.3 -9.5 7.6 -8.8 -1.2

3.7

1.6 5.3

Epirus

11.1

-23.3 -12 6.8 -2.2 4.6

2.1

2.4 4.5

Greece

10.9

-6.4 4.5 7.3 3.8 11.1

N/A

N/A N/A

Comments: Natural Change = Births - Deaths
Inflow = Immigration - Emigration

Source: Human Resources, p.3.

The figures in the Inflow columns of Table 4 reveal the heavy wave of emigration from the
region during the 60s. The emigration wave of the 60s decreased substantially during the
70s. It is reversed for the prefecture of Ioannina during the 70s and for all of the prefectures
in the 80s, with the exception of the prefecture of Arta.

The region of Epirus is one of the most sparsely populated regions of Greece, with a
population density which is less than half of the population density of the entire country.
Table 5 below presents the area and population density of the region by prefecture for the
year 1991. The most sparsely populated prefectures are the prefectures of Ioannina and
Thesprotia, whose density is a little over a third of the national average.
Table 5: Area and Density of Epirus by Prefecture 1991

TERRITORIAL

UNIT/VARIABLE

AREA

(SQUARE KLM)

POPULATION

DENSITY

Prefecture of

Ioannina
4.990 157.214 31.50

Prefecture of

Thesprotia
1.515 44.413 29.31

Prefecture of Arta 1.662 78.884 47.46

Prefecture of

Preveza
1.036 58.536 56.50

Epirus 9.203 339.037 36.83

Greece 131.957 10.256.464 77.73

Source: NSO, Regional Job Markets, A Study of the Region of Epirus, p.11.

2.2 Urban, Semi-Urban and Rural Population

Tables 6 through 6D and Diagram 2, below, present the evolution of the distribution of the
population of the region and each of its prefectures into urban, semi-urban and rural
population.

Table 6: Urban, Semi-Urban and Rural Population 1961-1991

TYPE OF

POPULATION/YEAR

1961

1971

1981

1991

URBAN 65.516
(183.6%)
73.641
(23.7%)
78.456
(24.2%)

93.378

(27.6%)

SEMI - URBAN 28.228
(8.0%)
25.393
(8.3%)
29.379
(9.1%)

44.453

(13.1%)

RURAL

258.860
(73.4%)
211.300
(68.1%)
216.705
(66.7%)

201.027

(59.3%)

TOTAL 352.604
(100%)
310.334
(100%)
324.541
(100%)

338.858

(100%)

Source: NSO, Regional Job Markets, A Study of the Region of Epirus, p.16.

TABLE 6A: Urban, Semi-Urban and Rural Population of the Prefecture of Ioannina
1951-1991

TYPE OF

POPULATION/

YEAR

1961

1971

1981

1991

URBAN

34.997
(22.5%)
40.130
(29.8%)
44.829
(30.4%)

55.701

(36.2%)

SEMI-URBAN

6.518
(4.2%)
8.326
(6.2%)
10.831
(7.4%)

20.488

(9.8%)

RURAL 113.811
(73.3%)
86.232
(64.0%)
91.644
(62.2%)

81.025

(54.0%)

TOTAL 155.326
(100%)
134.688
(100%)
147.304
(100%)

157.214

(100%)

Source: NSO

Table 6B: Urban, Semi-Urban and Rural Population of the Prefecture of Thesprotia
1951-1991

TYPE OF

POPULATION/

YEAR

1961

1971

1981

1991

URBAN 0 0 0

0

SEMI-URBAN

10.820
(20.8%)
10.045
(24.7%)
11.700
(28.3%)

12.445

(27.5%)

RURAL 41.305
(79.2%)
30.639
(75.3%)
29.578
(71.7%)

31.968

(72.5%)

TOTAL 52.125
(100%)
40.684
(100%)
41.278
(100%)

44.413

(100%)

Source: NSO
Table 6C: Urban, Semi-Urban and Rural Population of the Prefecture of Arta
1951-1991

TYPE OF

POPULATION/

YEAR

1961

1971

1981

1991

URBAN 17.645
(21.4%)
20.538
(26.4%)
20.004
(25.0%)

21.434

(27.2%)

SEMI-URBAN

5.366
(6.5%)
3.428
(4.4%)
3.515
(4.4%)

8.291

(10.5%)

RURAL 59.610
(72.1%)
54.410
(69.4%)
56.525
(70.6%)

49.159

(62.3%)

TOTAL 82.630
(100%)
78.376
(100%)
80.044
(100%)

78.884

(100%)

Source: NSO, Regional Job Markets, A Study of the Region of Epirus, p. 16.

Table 6D: Urban, Semi-Urban and Rural Population of the Prefecture of Preveza
1951-1991

TYPE OF

POPULATION/

YEAR

1961

1971

1981

1991

URBAN 12.865
(20.6%)
12.973
(22.9%)
13.624
(24.4%)

15.079

(25.8%)

SEMI-URBAN

5.524
(8.8%)
3.594
(6.4%)
3.333
(6.0%)

8.599

(14.7%)

RURAL 44.134
(70.6%)
40.019
(70.7%)
38.958
(69.7%)

31.968

(59.5%)

TOTAL 62.523
(100%)
56.586
(100%)
55.915
(100%)

58.536

(100%)

Source: NSO, Regional Job Markets, A Study of the Region of Epirus, p.16

The 1981 urban population of the region, expressed in percentage terms, is much lower than
the corresponding percentage for the entire country (24.2% compared to 58.1% for Greece).
The urban population shows a steady increase during the period from 1961-1991, reaching
27.6% of the total population in 1991 (compared to 18.6% in 1961). The largest increase took
place in the 60s (5.1%), followed by the 80s (3.4%). The 1981 semi-urban population of the
region, expressed in percentage terms, is closer to the corresponding percentage for the
entire country (9.1% compared to 11.6% for Greece). In contrast to the semi-urban population
of the entire country, which remained stable, the semi-urban population of the region shows a
steady increase during the period from 1961-1991, reaching 13.1% of the total population of
the region in 1991 (compared to 8% in 1961). The rural population of the region, expressed in
percentage terms, has decreased from 73.4% in 1961 to 59.3% in 1991. The average yearly
rate of decrease of the rural population during the period 1961 through 1991 was 0.84%
9
. The
1981 rural population of the region, expressed in percentage terms, is more than twice the
corresponding percentage for the entire country (66.7% compared to 30.3% for Greece).

The highest percentage of urban population is in the prefecture of Ioannina, followed by the
prefectures of Arta and Preveza, while the prefecture of Thesprotia has no urban population
at all. The highest percentage of semi-urban population is in the prefecture of Thesprotia,
followed by the prefecture of Preveza. The prefecture of Thesprotia also has the highest
percentage of rural population. With the exception of the year 1961, the lowest percentage of
rural population is found in the prefecture of Ioannina.

9
Regional J ob Markets, A stydy of the Region of Epirus, p.15.

Diagram 2: Distribution of Urban, Semi-Urban and Rural Population of Epirus by
Prefecture - 1981
62%
27%
11%
RURAL URBAN SEMI-URBAN

PREFECTURE OF ARTA

72%
28%
0%

54%
36%
10%

59%
26%
15%

PREFECTURE OF PREVEZA

2.3 Population by Age-Group and Sex

Table 7, below, presents the distribution of the population of the region and each of its
prefectures into males and females for the year 1991. The prefecture of Ioannina and Arta
have more women than men, while the reverse is true in the case of the prefectures of
Thesprotia and Preveza. The region of Epirus, as a whole, has more women than men. In
1981, all four prefectures had more women than men.
Table 7: Male-Female Population of Epirus 1991.

TERRITORIAL
UNIT/SEX

MALES

FEMALES

TOTAL

Prefecture of

Ioannina
77,317 79,897

157,214

Prefecture of

Thesprotia
22.761 21.652

44.413

Prefecture of Arta 39.229 39.655

78.884

Prefecture of

Preveza
29.543 28.993

58.536

Epirus 168.850 170.197

339.047

Greece N/A N/A

10.256.464

Comments: N/A: Not Available
Source: NSO

Table 7A: Male-Female Population of Epirus 1991 (expressed in %).

TERRITORIAL
UNIT/SEX

MALES

FEMALES

TOTAL

Prefecture of

Ioannina
49.18 50.82

100

Prefecture of

Thesprotia
51.25 48.75

100

Prefecture of Arta 49.73 50.27

100

Prefecture of

Preveza
50.47 49.53

100

Epirus 49.80 50.20

100

Comments: N/A: Not Available
Source: NSO

Table 8, below, presents the distribution of the population of the region by age and sex for
years 1961 and 1981. Table 8A, below, presents the distribution of the population of Greece
by age and sex for the year 1981.
Table 8: Epirus: Population by Age and Sex 1961, 1981

YEAR. SEX/AGE

0-4

5-14

15-44

45-64

65 and over

1961

TOTAL 40.137
(11.4%)
77.593
(22%)
146.706
(41.60%)

61.746

(17.51%)
26.422
(7.49%)

Male 20.838 39.974 67.515

29.144 10.901

Female 19.299 37.619 79.191

32.602 15.521

1981

TOTAL 26.124
(8.04%)
53.758
(16.56%)
123.776
(38.13%)

75.348

(23.21%)
45.652
(14.06%)

Male 13.691 27.306 61.954

35.630 19.994

Female 12.433 26.452 61.822

39.718 25.658

Source: NSO

Table 8A: Greece: Population by Age and Sex 1981

1981

0-4

5-14

15-44

45-64

64 and

over

Didnt

Declare

TOTAL

778.182

(7.9%)
1.529.115
(15.7%)
3.970.272
(40.76%)
2.232.479
(22.91%)

1.238.088

(12.71%)
1.453
(0.02%)

Male

400.675 785.231 1.963.059 1.080.622

549.231 753

Female

377.507 743.884 2.007.213 1.151.857

688.857 700

Source: NSO

Since 1961, there has been a rather dramatic decrease in the population of the region below
the age of 44 and a corresponding increase in the population over the age of 45. This reflects
both the decrease in the regions birth rate and the immigration waves discussed above.
Specifically, the population below the age of 14 has decreased from 33.4% in 1961 to 24.6%
in 1981. The population over 65 has almost doubled in the same period (from 7.49% in 1961
to 14.06% in 1981). Compared to the country as a whole, in 1981, Epirus had a lower
percentage of population in the 0 - 14 age-group and a higher percentage of population in the
65 and over category.
3. NATURAL RESOURCES

3.1 Geomorphology and Land Use - An Overview

The predominately mountainous geomorphology of the region (described in greater detail in
Section 3.2) has determined much of the land use and the economic activities in the region as
discussed in Section 5. Plains, basins and flatland areas are located mainly in the south, in
the prefectures of Preveza and Arta, and in the west, in the prefecture of Thesprotia. The
percentage of irrigated land, in 1991, was 36.6% in the region, 54.4% in the prefecture of
Arta, 20.3% in the prefecture of Thesprotia, 25.5% in the prefecture of Ioannina and 42.8% in
the prefecture of Preveza. These percentages are largely unchanged from their 1977 levels
10
.

As discussed briefly in the introduction, 14.11% of the land area is devoted to agricultural
holdings compared to a national average of 29.9%. Surface waters (described in greater
detail in Section 3.3) cover 3.23% of the land, compared to a national average of 2.34%.
Urban settlements account for 3.81% of the region, compared to 3.71% for the country as a
whole. The largest utilised agricultural area is located in the prefecture of Preveza and the
smallest in the prefecture of Ioannina.

Forests (described in greater detail in Section 3.4) cover 26.23% of the region compared to a
national average of 22.36%. The largest area covered by forests is located in the prefecture
of Arta, followed by the prefectures of Ioannina, Preveza and Thesprotia
11
. More specifically,
the exploitable forest areas in the prefecture of Arta are located in the northern and north-
western part of the prefecture. Timber production consists mainly of fir and oak. The forest
areas in the prefecture of Preveza show intense signs of erosion and are not suitable for
exploitable reforestation, while the forest areas in the prefecture of Thesprotia are not suitable
for exploitation. The exploitable forest areas in the prefecture of Ioannina are located in the
north-eastern part of the prefecture (in Konitsa, Metsovo, Zagoria and Pogoni). They consist
of fir, pine, beech, oak and other evergreen trees. Timber production from the prefecture
accounts for over 94% of total regional production. However, the current level of production
does not fully utilise the potential of the prefecture, largely due to lack of infrastructure,
problems related to property status, land-use conflicts and the unavailability of machinery
12
.
Table 9, below, gives a more comprehensive picture of the principal categories of land use in
the region and its prefectures for the year 1981.

Table 9: Epirus: Principal Categories of Land Use 1981 (expressed in %)

Territorial

Agricultural

Grassland

Forests

Surface

Urban

Other

10
Regional J ob Markets, A study of the Region of Epirus, p. 28.
11
12
Regional J ob Markets, A study of the Region of Epirus, p. 23; Human Resources, pp. 14-15


Unit/

Land use

Holdings

Waters

Settlement
s

Prefecture of

Ioannina

9.16

53.90

29.82

2.15

3.30 1.67

Prefecture of

Thesprotia

14.04

72.58

8.28

1.45

2.95 0.70

Prefecture of

Arta

19.85

21.72

41.17

7.96

6.02 3.28

Prefecture of

Preveza

28.85

52.21

11.18

3.46

4.01 0.29

Epirus

14.11

50.97

26.23

3.23

3.81 1.65

Greece

29.90

39.82

22.36

2.34

3.71 1.87

Source: Regional Job Markets, A Study of the Region of Epirus, p. 24

3.2 Mountains

The most significant mountains in Epirus are those which form the Pindos mountain-range.
The mountain-range commences with Mount Grammos (2,520 m) on the border of Epirus
with Western Macedonia and Albania. Further south of Mount Grammos is Mount Smolikas
(2,637 m), the second highest mountain in Greece. To the southeast, Mount Vasilitsa (2,249
m) overlooks Macedonia. The range continues southward with Mount Gamila or Timfi (2,497
m). Between Smolikas and Gamila, just above the city of Konitsa, Mount Trapezitsa (2,021 m)
is found. To the east of Gamila, a horseshoe-shaped group of mountains known as Lingos or
Eastern Pindos (2,177 m) is located, and south of Gamila, above the lake of Ioannina, stands
Mount Mitsikeli (1,810 m). The southern Pindos range includes Peristeri or Lakmo (2,295 m),
Kakarditsa (2,393 m) and Tzoumerka (2,393 m).

Lower mountains, not belonging to the range, include Tomaros (1,816 m), Xerovouni (1,607
m), the Thesprotika mountains (1,274 m), the Souli mountains (1,615 m), the Paramythia
mountains (1,658 m), Kasidiaris (1,316 m), the Kourenda mountains (1,172) and the
Tsamanta mountains (1,806 m).
3.3 Water Resources

Some of the most important Greek rivers run through Epirus.

The Aoos river, whose source is north of Metsovo, flows westward through the Smolikas and
Gamila mountains (Aoos gorge) and emerges in the Plain of Konitsa, continuing on into
Albania. The Voidomatis river, whose source is in the Vikos Gorge, flows into the Aoos river
in the Plain of Konitsa. The Sarantaporos river has its source in the Grammos mountains and
unites with the Aoos river on the Greek-Albanian border. The Arachthos river is formed by
numerous streams which flow from the Zagori villages, Metsovo, Mount Peristeri, Mount
Kakarditsa and the Tzoumerka mountains, and pours into Amvrakikos Bay. The river Louros
flows from the Louros springs, near the city of Ioannina. The Kalamas river flows from north of
Ioannina into the Ionian Sea. Finally, the Acheron river originates in the Paramythia
mountains and joins its main tributary (kokitos) near the Ionian Sea. The most important
natural lake is Lake Pamvotis (lake of Ioannina) in the city of Ioannina, followed by Lake
Zaravina in the Province of Pogoni, and Lake Ziros, north of Filipiada.

The lakes and rivers in the prefecture of Ioannina, namely the rivers of Aoos, Louros and
Kalamas and the lakes of Pamvotis, Zaravina and Drakolimni, are exploited for trout
production in 60 units producing 1,200 tons of fish annually. Most of these units have their
own reproduction facilities while the rest are supplied from the fish-cultivation unit of Louros.
Water from lake Zaravina is used for the irrigation of nearby land. Exploitation of the water
resources of the prefecture is limited by the pollution of lake Pamvotis and the decrease in
rainfall during the 1989-1992.

In the wetlands of the prefecture of Thesprotia, namely the rivers of Kalamas and Kiknotos
and lakes Chochtova and Prostani, there is a high potential for fish cultivation, especially
along the coastline.

The prefectures of Arta and Preveza jointly exploit the resources of Amvrakikos Bay and
several lakes. Amvrakikos Bay is the largest natural fish cultivation area in Europe. The
waters of the Ionian Sea, to the west of the region, are rich in fish species, especially
sardines, mullets dorados, soles and calamaris. The most important fish species cultivated in
the inland waters are trout, carp and eel
13
.

13
Human Resources, p. 16
3.4 Vegetation

The lowlands of Epirus are dominated by a shrub known as the Mediterranean maquis,
consisting of Kerm Oak (Quercus cocifera), Mock Privet (Phillirea Latifolia), Holm Oak
(Quercus ilex), Strawberrytree (Arbutus unedo) and other species of evergreen and
deciduous shrubs and small trees.

On the lower mountain slopes, low forests are dominated by deciduous oaks. At altitudes
between 700 m and 1,800 m, there are mixed forests of deciduous trees such as beech,
various species of maple, Silver Lime (Tilia Tomentosa), Hornebeam, Hop-hornebeam and
conifers such as Black Pine (Pinus nigra) and Macedonian Fir (Abies borissiiregis). At
altitudes of over 1,800 m, beech and Balkan Pine (Pinus heldereichii) dominate the
landscape.

3.5 Flora and Fauna

The flora of Epirus is closely related to the flora of neighboring southern Albania and to that of
the Ionian islands. The rarest plants are those found on the mountain-tops. Many of them are
indigenous to Epirus or even to a single mountain.

On Mount Smolikas, we find the local species Cerastium smocanum, Centaurea Ptarmiefolia
and Aubrieta glabreens. Indigenous to Mount Gamila are Silene intonsa, Lithosrm
goulandriorum and Miartia pseudosaxifraga. The local species, Centaurea pawlovskii, is
found in the Vikos Gorge and the Centaurea vlachorum species, in the Valia Calda. There are
two species indigenous to the peaks of Grammos, Theum vlachorum and Ligustim
rhizomaticum, while Dactylorrhiza Kalopissii grows in the mountains of Metsovo.

Some other rare plants which grow in the mountains of Epirus are Telekia speciosa, Viola
albanica, Viola dukadjinica, Silene pindicola, Campanula hawnsiana, Peucedanum stridii,
Alyssum smolicanum, Pinicula balcanica, Crocus rortianus, Thlaspi epirotum, Centaurea
epirota, Ramonda serbica, Soldanella pindicola, Bornmuellera tymphaea and Bornmuellera
baldacii.

Finally, we must not fail to mention the lily species of Epirus, all of rare beauty, such as the
yellow Pindos Lily (Lilium albanicum), the red Lilium chalcedocum, the purple Lilium martagon
and the Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum), which grow in the forests and gorges of the
mountains in this area.
In the thick, wild forests of Epirus, many species of animals and birds, which disappeared
from the rest of Greece years ago, survive today.

The Bear (Ursus arctos), one of the rarest members of Greek and European fauna in general,
still lives in the mountains of Northern Pindos, even though its natural habitats are continually
being destroyed. It is estimated that in all of Greece, there are approximately 80-100 bears, of
which about half live in the Central Rodopi mountain range and the other half in Epirus.

Another extremely rare animal of Epirus is the Lynx (Lynx lynx or Felis lynx). It is about twice
the size of a house cat and has a very short tail. It was believed to have disappeared from the
area until its tracks were sighted a few years ago in the Mt. Gamila-Aoos gorge region.

At one time, there were many deer (Cervus elaphus) in Epirus, but they have been killed by
hunters. However, the Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) still survives, as does the Wild Boar
(Sus scrofa).

The Otter (Lutra lutra) lives in the rivers of Epirus. Its biggest enemies are dirty water and the
disturbance of the natural equilibrium of the rivers by pesticides, dams, etc. On the
precipitous heights and in the gorges of the mountains of Epirus, there is yet a another very
rare animal, the wild goat. Its scientific name is Rupicapra rupicapra, and it is not related to
the domestic goat or to other wild goats. The mountains of Gamila, Smolikas, Grammos, etc.
currently support very small populations, which are in danger of disappearing due to
poaching.

The Wolf (Canis lupus), once common throughout the mountains of Epirus, is now quite rare
due to ruthless hunting and the use of poisoned baits.

Common members of the mammalian fauna of Epirus are the Fox (Vulpes vulpes), the
Marten (Martes foina), the Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), the Hare (Lepus europaeus or
capensis) and the Hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor). Smaller mammals include the Mole
(Talpa caeca), Shrews (Sorex minutus, Suncus etruscus, Crocidura suaveolens, etc.), the
Dormouse (Glis glis), the Forest Dormouse (Dryomys nitedula), and various species of mice
and bats.

Many rare bird species inhabit the mountains and wetlands of Epirus. In the mountains, we
find rare birds of prey, such as the Vulture (Gyps fulvus), the Golden Eagle (Aquila
chrysaetus), the Lammergeir (Gypaetus berbatus), the Egyptian vulture (Neophron
percnopterus) and the Booted eagle (Hieraetus pennatus).

The mountains of Epirus are home to eight species of Woodpecker, among them the
extremely rare Black woodpecker (Dryocopus martius). Other rare species are the
Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria), Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) Rock thrush (Monticola saxatilis),
Golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus), Snow finch (Montifningila nivalis), Grossbill (Loxia curvirostra),
Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula), Shore lark (Eremophila alpestris), Alpine swift (Apus melba) and
the Eagle owl (Bubo bubo).

In the wetlands of Epirus, we encounter pelicans, rerns, Avocets, Black-minged stilts, Wild
ducks, Glossy ibis, Storks, Herons and Cormorants.

3.6 Mineral Resources

The region of Epirus is rich in non-metallic minerals. However, the geomorphology of the
region, land-use conflicts and the lack of infrastracture, have hampered the systematic and
organised exploitation of these resources. In the prefecture of Ioannina, the principal non-
metallic mineral is light brown marble, whose durable consistency and easy production in
suitable dimensions allow it to be produced at a low cost and sold at low prices
14
. There are
approximately 100 production sites located mostly in the western part of the prefecture
15
. The
existing layers of phosphoric minerals in the prefecture of Ioannina are not suitable for
exploitation, while the exploitation of lignite, located in the prefecture, is being examined.
There is an exploitable layer of phosphoric minerals located in the prefecture of Arta. The
prefecture of Preveza produces marble of similar quality to that produced in the prefecture of
Ioannina. The prefecture of Thesprotia is rather poor in mineral resources
16
.

14
Human Resources, p.16
15
Regional J ob Markets. A Study of the Region of Epirus, p. 27.
16
Regional J ob Markets. A Study of the Region of Epirus, p. 27.

3.7 Pollution of the Environment

The low level of industrialisation and urbanisation result in a relatively low level of pollution in
the regions water resources. This is not the case for lake Pamvotis (in Ioannina), which is
polluted by urban waste and agricultural activities in the area. Amvrakikos Bay and the bay of
Igoumenitsa also face pollution problems. South to north currents, in the Ionian, and
norhtwest winds, are favourable conditions for automatic clean-up in the case of an accident
or pollution along the coastline. Table 9A below presents some environmental statistics for
the region.

Table 9A: Epirus: Environmental Statistics

Natural sites 1982 13

Wetlands 1981 15

Wetlands Protected

under the Ramsar

Treaty
1

National Parks 2

SO
2
(T/km
2
) in

atmosphere 1991
0.30

Number of Pollution

Incidents by ships

1990
1

Pollution Level of

Bays (1=highest)

1991
[5]

Lenght in klm of

destroyed coastline

1981
87

Source: General Study - Framework
4. NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS

4.1 Natural Attractions

Although Section 3 of this document provided an exhaustive insight into the natural make-up
and resources of the region of Epirus, it is essential to draw attention to some of the more
extraordinary natural attractions that exist in the region and to distinguish them as more than
just components of the regions geomorphology. An outline of some of the more noteworthy
natural attractions in the region of Epirus, per prefecture, is given below.

Natural Attractions in the Prefecture of Arta

1. Amvrakikos Bay

As mentioned previously, Amvrakikos Bay is an internationally well-known wetland,
which is protected by the Ramsar Treaty. It is a closed bay with an area of 400 square
metres, an opening to the Ionian Sea through the Preveza straight (600 metres wide and
7-10 metres deep), and surrounded by the Prefectures of Preveza, Arta and
Etoloakarnania. The river Louros pours into the bay from the northwest, and the
Arachtos from the northeast, creating a wetland complex which covers 220,000 strema.

2. The Tzoumerka Village Complex

The Tzoumerka village complex is a group of picturesque, mountainous villages on the
border of the Prefectures of Arta and Ioannina. The complex consitutes exceptional
scenery, lakes, paths and villages, which have maintained their local traditions intact.

3. Pournari Lake

Pournari Lake is a man-made lake, created from the Arachthos Hydro-electric dam
which was erected by the Greek Public Power Company (DEI). It is located in the center
of the Prefecture and leads to the Sarantaporos river to the east. The lake can be viewed
as a connecting point between the Tzoumerka village complex, the city of Arta and
Amvrakikos Bay. A new and exciting ecosystem is currently developing.
Natural Attractions in the Prefecture of Thesprotia

While the Prefecture of Thesprotia is known for its beautiful coasts, its inland mountainous
areas remain almost completely unexploited.

A number of studies have been completed, aimed at describing and promoting areas of
interest from an eco-tourism perspective under the auspices of the Law for Public
Investments. These areas include:

1. Kalamas River Delta

Located near the Greek-Albanian border, it is, according to researchers, one of the most
important, albeit significantly smaller, wetlands in Greece, rivaling Amvrakikos Bay and
the Evros Delta. Efforts are underway to include the Delta in the Ramsar Treaty in order
to facilitate its protection. There is a large variety of ecotops, approximately 200 varieties
of plantlife, 131 observed types of birds, 35 of which are rare or endangered species. A
number of mammals (wildcats, otters) and wild horses also live in the area.

2. Kalodiki Marsh

Located at the southern end of the Prefecture, on the border with the Prefecture of
Preveza, it belongs administratively to the Townships of Elefterio and Morfatio. It is a
narrow basin (3.5 km in length, 1.3 km in width) covering an area of 4,000 strema. It is a
part of the wider basin of Margariti (69,000 strema) which spans from Palaiokastro to the
north, the Parga mountains to the south, and is divided into three sub-basins
(Palaiokastro, Margariti and Kalodiki). It is the largest and most important marshland in
the Prefecture of Thesprotia and is considered to be rich in rare vegetation and animal-
life, although it has not been systematically researched.

3. Other Marshes

There are four other periodic marshes in the greater Margariti-Paramythia area:
Palaiokastro, Katavothra, Haskova (or Chrystalopigi) and Grika. All have been greatly
damaged by human intervention, yet are considered salvageable as evidenced by the
fact that varieties of carp have prospered despite the damage.
4. Mountains

Of particular interest is the Mourgana mountain circuit, which includes the mountains
around Paramythia and Souli. It is mostly rocky, with rich vegetation (except around the
area of Souli), picturesque villages and cultural monuments. The Kalamas river gorge,
from Pente Ekklisies to Neraida, is ideal for scenic walks along the path which
transverses it.

Natural Attractions in the Prefecture of Preveza

Tourism in the Prefecture of Preveza is centered around the coastal areas, notably in the
towns of Preveza and Parga. Amvrakikos Bay, mentioned above, is an important natural
attraction. The area around Ziros lake, near Filippiada, is one of the rarest natural parks in all
of Greece, covering 1,050 strema, including 500 strema of forest, a 470 strema lake and an
80 strema complex. Used by the National Welfare Organization as a nursery school until
1985, it later served as a shelter for Albanian immigrants. This park is totally undeveloped
and devoid of tourism-related infrastructure.

Natural Attractions in the Prefecture of Ioannina

There are two national parks in the Prefecture of Ioannina which span from the center of the
eastern portion of the Prefecture, west to the bridges of Konitsa (over the Aoos River) and
Klidonia (over the Voidomatis River).

1. Vikos-Aoos National Park

Located between the Vikos Gorge and the Aoos Canyon. It was established in 1973 and
covers an area of 126,000 strema, with a nucleus of 33,000 strema around the Vikos
Gorge. The Zagori villages of Monodendri, Vikos, Papigo and Mikro Papigo are located
within its limits.

The Aoos Canyon is approximately 10 km long and 2-6 km wide. It begins in the
Paliomonastiro location of the Eleftheros township and ends at the Stone Bridge of
Konitsa. The Vikos Gorge begins at the Tsepelovo township and ends at the Klidonia
bridge. It is 25 km long and 300-800 metres deep. Hundreds of varieties of plantlife have
been recorded in both locations, ranging from Mediterranean to alpine, and a number of
protected animal species, mainly mammals (bear, wildgoat, otter, roe and wolf).
2. Pindos National Park (Valia Calda)

Established in 1966, it covers an area of 100,000 strema from Mount Mavrovouni to the
Aoos springs, the Kleftis mountainside, Kokkini Tsouma and Kakoplevri. Administratively,
the National Park belongs to both the Prefectures of Grevena and Ioannina and is
equally as rich in flora and fauna as the Vikos-Aoos National Park, although there are no
gorges or canyons. The man-made Aoos lake presents an opportunity for the
development of a new ecosystem.

3. Other Areas of Interest

In the greater Konitsa area, Mount Smolikas and Lake Drakolimni, the northern border
of the Aoos valley, are particularly beautiful. Also, the mountainrange of Grammos,
especially the portion near the thermal springs of the township of Amarantos, could
constitute an additional natural tourist attraction. The rivers of Aoos, Voidomatis and
Arachthos lend themselves to canoe-cajiac activities.

The Kouvara Gorge, located in the Province of Pogoni between the townships of Dolo
and Pogoniani, and lake Zaravina (also in the Province of Pogoni) are completely
underdeveloped.

The Tzoumerka villages, discussed above, are ideal for mountain-climbing, hiking, etc.
The cave in the village of Pramanta is unexploited.

Finally, in the city of Ioannina itself, Lake Pamvotis, its island and the cave in the
township of Perama are fairly well-exploited natural attractions.
4.2 Cultural Attractions

Listed below are the cultural attractions in the region of Epirus by type of attraction and
Prefecture.

I. Archives

1. Permanent Local Archive of Arta (Arta)
2. Epirot Archive of loannina (loannina)
3. Historical Archive of the Monasteries (the island, Ioannina)
4. Permanent Local Archive of Paramythia (Paramythia)

II. Archaeological Sites

1. Arta castle (13th-18th centuries)
2. Theatre of ancient Ambracia (Arta, 3rd century BC)
3. Archaeological site of Titani (Goumani, Thesprotia: 4th century BC)
4. Archaeological site of Elea (Velliani, Thesprotia: 4th century BC)
5. Archaeological site of Dymokastro (Elina: Perdika, Thesprotia)
6. Tower of Rayios (Lygia, Thesprotia)
7. Archaeological site of Dodona (17 km south-west of Ioannina)
8. Springs of the Acheron, walls of a Hellenistic acropolis (Sistrouni, Ioannina)
9. Prehistoric cave (Late Paleolithic era) and prehistoric settlement (Kastritsa,
loannina)
10. Ancient settlement of Vitsa (Vitsa, in the Zagori villages, loannina: 9th-4th
century BC)
11. Oracle of the Dead (Homeric period: Mesopotamos, Preveza)
12. Kassopi (first half of the 4th century BC: Kamarina, Preveza)
13. Ammotopos (first half of the 4th century BC: Ammotopos, Arta)
14. Nicopolis (31 BC: Preveza)
15. Castle of Rogoi (Buchetio or Bucheta) colony of the Eleians (8th century BC:
Preveza)

III. Byzantine and Modern Monuments

A. Prefecture of Arta
1. Church of St. Basil (13th century), Arta
2. Church of St. Theodora (13th century), Arta
3. Church of Our Lady Parigoritissa (1285-89), Arta
4. Church of St. Basil of the Bridge (9th century), Arta
5. Church of St. Demetrius Katsouris (10th century), Plisii, Arta
6. Church of Our Lady Vlacherna (12th century), Vlacherna Arta
7. Church of Our Lady `Bryoni' (13th century), Neochoraki, Arta
8. Church of St. Nicholas `Rodias' (13th century), Vigil, Arta.
9. `Kokkini Ekklisia' Church (13th century), Voulgareli, Arta
10. Church of Our Lady `Koronisia' (10th century), Koronisia, Arta

B. Prefecture of Thesprotia
1. Church of the Dormitrion of the Virgin, Paramythia
2. Yiromeri Monastery (1285), Filiades

C. Prefecture of Ioannina
1. Monastery of St. Nicholas `Tzoras' (1663), Vasiliki, Ioannina
2. Monastery of Our Lady, Vella
3. Monastery of Dichouni, Dichouni, Ioannina
4. Monastery of Tsouka (Nativity of the Virgin), Elliniko, Ioannina
5. Monastery of the Prophet Elijah (with paintings of 1658), Zitsa, Ioannina
6. Monastery of St. J ohn the Baptist, Kastritsa, loannina
7. Monastery of Kipina, Kallarytes, Ioannina
8. Monastery of Angelomachi, Kourenta, loannina
9. Church of St. J ohn the Baptist, Kostaniani, loannina
10. Church of the Archangels, Kostaniani, Ioannina
11. Monastery of the Fathers (1590, dome of 1639), Lithino, Zitsa, Ioannina
12. Monastery of Dourahani, loannina
13. Monastery of Dourouti, Pedini, Ioannina
14. Monastery of Paliouri between Paliouri and Soulopoulo, loannina
15. Monastery of Stoupaina (Dormition of the Virgin, 1734), Perivleptos, loannina
16. Monastery of Lykostani, Polylofos, Ioannina.
17. Monastery of Plaka, Raftaneii, Ioannina
18. Monastery of Sistrouni (Nativity of the Virgin), Sistrouni, loannina
19. St. Panteleimon (Monastery of Halasmata), Palaiochori, Syrako, Ioannina
20. Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, Romanos, loannina
21. Monastery of Our Lady `Zermas', Playia, loannina

D. Prefecture of Preveza
1. Castle of St. Andrew, Preveza
2. Monastery of Our Lady `Pantanassa' (13th century), Filippiada, Preveza

IV. Museums and Art Galleries of Epirus

1. Museum of Our Lady `Parigoritissa'

B. Prefecture of Thesprotia
1. Tsamanta Folklore Museum, Filiades, Thesprotia

C. Prefecture of loannina
1. Ioannina Archaeological Museum
2. Ioannina Municipal Museum
3. Folklore Museum of the Association of Epirot Studies, loannina
4. . Vrellis Waxworks, Bizani, loannina
5. Mouzakaei Waxworks
6. Koukouli Natural History Museum, Zagori, loannina
7. Metsovo Folklore Museum
8. Konitsa Folklore Museum
9. Museum of Traditional Occupations, Elafotopos, Zagori, loannina
10. University of loannina Folklore Museum
11. Pogoniani Folklore Museum, Pogoni, loannina
12. War Museum of 1940-41, Kalpaki, loannina
13. War Museum of 1912-13, Emin Aga Hani, loannina
14. Museum of the pre-Revolutionary Period, on the island, loannina
15. Averofeios Art Gallery, Metsovo
16. Art Gallery of the Association of Epirot Studies, loannina
17. National Resistance Museum, loannina

D. Prefecture of Preveza
1. Nicopolis Archaeological Museum

V. Traditional Epirotic Sites

1. Arta Bridge, over the river Arachthos; possibly founded in the 3rd century BC.
Four large arches were constructed in the time of the Despotate of Epirus and
the large arch can be dated back to 1612 from written sources.

B. Prefecture of Ioannina
1. Plaka bridge, over the Arachthos at the spot of the same name
2. Kaber Aga bridge, over the river Zagoritikos at the spot of the same name
3. Tsipianis bridge, over the river Vardas at the spot of the same name
4. Kourtias bridge, over the river Vardas near the Voutsas Monastery, Greveniti,
Zagori
5. Vovousa bridge, over the os in the village of Vovousa, Zagori
6. Frangades bridge, over the river of the same name, Frangades, Zagori
7. Negades bridge, over the river of the same name, Negades, Zagori
8. Petsioni bridge, over the river Bayiotikos, Kipi, Zagori
9. Mylos bridge, over the river Bayiotikos, Kipi, Zagori
10. Kaloyeriko or three-arched bridge, over the upper course of the river
Voidomatis, Koukouli, Zagori
11. Kontodimou or Lazaridis bridge, over the upper course of the river Voidomatis,
Koukouli, Zagori
12. Noutsos or Kokoris bridge, over the upper course of the river Voidomatis,
Koukouli, Zagori
13. Missios bridge, over the upper course of the river Voidomatis, Vitsa, Zagori
14. Kleidonia bridge, over the river Voidomatis, Kleidonia, Konitsa
15. Konitsa bridge, over the river Aoos, Konitsa
16. Zermas bridge, over the river Sarantaporos, Playia, Konitsa
17. Elsewhere in Epirus - almost a hundred smaller stone bridges of equivalent
architectural and historical interest

4.3 Other Attractions

While the Region of Epirus is known mainly for the natural and cultural attractions described
above, some other attractions exist in the region and are outlined briefly below.

Sports

The coastal areas of the Prefectures of Thesprotia and Preveza lend themselves to water-
related sports (water-skiing, surfing etc.). Organized facilities exist mainly around the larger
hotels in these Prefectures.

The Limnopoula Nautical Centre hosts international crew meets, which are held on Lake
Pamvotis in Ioannina. Two Nautical Clubs located in the city of Ioannina (the Ioannina
Nautical Club and Club Dias) organize canoe-cajiac meets on a regular basis. In addition,
canoeing is organized by the Paddler Club in Konitsa on lake Aoos. The same club also
organizes mountain-biking and hiking expeditions in the greater Konitsa area.

Hiking and mountain-climbing are generally popular, relatively well-organized activities in the
region. There are currently three (3) refuges for hikers. The first is located on Mount Gamila
(Timfi) above the Zagori village of Papigo, at an altitude of 2,000 metres above sea level. The
second shelter is on Mount Mitsikeli, above the city of Ioannina, at Palaiohori (1,400 m).
Finally, the third is on the Tsouka Rosa peak in the Valia Calda National Park at Metsovo.
The Mountaineering Club of Ioannina regularly organizes expeditions. There are a large
number of paths in the region in general, most of which, unfortunately, are partially destroyed
or insufficiently equipped for organized expeditions.

Finally, the only ski center in the region is located in Metsovo and is fairly popular, especially
amongst domestic tourists.

Cultural/Religious/Folkloric Events

Organized cultural activities (the so-called Panigiria) of either a religious or folkloric nature,
take place mainly during the month of August. These are generally organized by each
township or village, include entertainment by local musicians and dancing, and are open to
visitors.
5. INFRASTRUCTURE

5.1 Settlements

There is a large dispersion of settlements located in the region of Epirus. The percentage of
settlements with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants was 95.8% in 1971 and has decreased only
slightly to 91.6%. Table 10, below, presents the number and percentages of settlements with
fewer than 1,000 inhabitants for the region and its prefectures.

Table 10: Epirus: Settlements with Fewer than 1,000 inhabitants 1971, 1991

TERRITORIAL

UNIT/YEAR

1971

1991

Prefecture of Ioannina 302 (96,5%)

298 (95.2%)

Prefecture of Thesprotia 98 (96.1%)

93 (93.0%)

Prefecture of Arta 78 (80.4%)

67 (81.7%)

Prefecture of Preveza 64 (85.3%)

56 (84.8%)

Epirus 542 (95.8%)

514 (91.6%)

Source: Regional Job Markets, A Study of the Region of Epirus, p. 31.

The prefecture of Ioannina has the smallest percentage of settlements with over 1,000
inhabitants (4.8%). In the prefecture of Thesprotia, the population is concentrated in the town
of Igoumenitsa, which provides some regional services, but depends mostly on Ioannina,
Corfu and Athens for services on the regional level. This is also the case in the prefectures of
Arta and Preveza.

5.2 Education

The data on education show that the region of Epirus is fairly advanced in comparison to the
rest of the country. The University of Ioannina, which has philosophy, mathematics, physics,
chemistry, computer science and education departments and a medical school, has
contributed to the educational level of the region and to its development in general. Table 11,
below, provides a more comprehensive picture of the educational facilities in the region and
its prefectures.
Table 11: Epirus: Educational Facilities 1989

EDUCATION

LEVEL/YEAR

1989

PRIMARY EDUCATION

Number of Schools 456

Number of Pupils 27.583

Number of Teachers 1.669

Student/Teacher Ratio 16.5

JUNIOR HIGH-SCHOOL

Number of School 86


Number of Teachers 1.091


HIGH-SCHOOLS

Number of Schools 56


Number of Teachers 733



The student/teacher ratio for the region is lower than the corresponding ratio for the country
as a whole (16.5 compared to 20.7 for Greece on the primary school level in 1989, 13.3
compared to 15.4 for Greece on the junior-high level in 1990 and 11.8 compared to 13.7 for
Greece on the high-school level in 1990). In general, the condition of the schools in the region
is relatively poor as in the rest of the country. Many of the schools located in the mountainous
regions far from the large cities are under-utilised or do not operate due to lack of pupils. The
educational system has a strong orientation toward the humanities, the classics and
disciplines leading to professions under the general heading of management. The
technical/vocational school system does not provide a high level of skills and is more a
general introduction to a particular craft. Young people are expected to obtain more advanced
training on the job, but there seems to be a tendency to under train in order to avoid future
competition from trainees
17
.

17
Human Resources, p. 391.

5.3 Health

Table 12, below, provides some health statistics for the region and its prefectures for the
year 1991.

Table 12: Epirus: Health Statistics 1991

HEALTH STATISTICS/YEAR

1991


Hospital Beds 917

Number of Doctors 645

Number of Dentists 125

Number of Pharmacies 88

PREFECTURE OF
THESPROTIA

Hospital Beds 85




PREFECTURE OF ARTA

Hospital Beds 119




PREFECTURE OF PREVEZA

Hospital Beds 132




EPIRUS

Hospital Beds 1.253





In general, the health sector in the region lacks both adequate infrastructure and trained
personnel. Specifically, although the region has 3.3% of the total population of the country, it
has only 2.4% of the countrys hospital beds, 2.4% of the countrys doctors, and 2.4% of the
countrys pharmacies. The region has 5 general hospitals, 11 health centers, 7 private clinics,
39 rural medical centers and 340 private practices
18
. The prefecture of Ioannina has the
largest number of hospital beds and hosts the newly founded University Hospital with 778
beds
19
.

5.4 Transportation Infrastructure

5.4.1 Roads

Due to unfavorable geomorphologic conditions, the development of both intra-regional and
trans-regional road networks has been difficult and unsatisfactory. This has contributed to the
regions historic isolation and its lack of development. Recent developments in Albania and
the former Yugoslavia have increased the importance of improving both the national and
regional road transportation networks in order to take advantage of new opportunities.

Table 13, on the subsequent page, presents some road network statistics for the region and
its prefectures.

18
Regional J ob Markets, A Study of the Region of Epirus, p. 39.

19
Human and Resources, Planet, p. 21

TABLE 13: Epirus: Road Network Statistics

TERRITORIAL
UNIT/ROAD

NETWORK STATISTICS

Epirus

1988

Prefecture
of
Ioannina

Prefecture
of
Thesprotia

Prefecture
of
Arta

Prefecture
of
Preveza

Total Length of Road

Network
3,012 km 1,599 km 444 km

587 km 382 km

Length of National Roads 773 km 349 km 151 km

105 km 166 km

Density of National Road

Network
0.08
km\square
km
N/A N/A

N/A N/A

Length of Mountainous

National Roads
506 km N/A N/A

N/A N/A

Length of Flat National

Roads
367 km N/A N/A

N/A N/A

Paved National Roads 678 km
(88%)
N/A N/A

N/A N/A

Unpaved National Roads 17 km (2%) N/A N/A

N/A N/A

National Roads Under

Consortium
78 km (10%) N/A N/A

N/A N/A

National Roads with Good

Drivability
33% N/A N/A

N/A N/A

National Roads with

Medium Drivability
33% N/A N/A

N/A N/A

National Roads with Poor

Drivability
20% N/A N/A

N/A N/A

National Roads with

Difficult or Periodic

Drivability
10% N/A N/A

N/A N/A

Length of Regional Roads 2.239 km 1.250 km 293 km

480 km 216 km

Paved Regional Roads 47.4% 650 km 234 km

300 km 169 km

Unpaved Regional Roads N/A 490 km 48 km

105 km 28 km

Unusable Regional Roads N/A 110 km 11 km

75 km 19 km

Length of Mountainous

Regional Roads
N/A 1,125 km 253 km

375 km 136 km

Length of Flat Regional

Roads
N/A 125 km 40 km

105 km 80 km

The North-South group of national roads servicing the region are noted on Map 1. National
Road E-951 connects Ioannina with Arta, Amphilochia and leads to Antirrion. It is the main
route connecting Epirus with the rest of Greece to the south. Generally, the E-951 is in good
condition and the quality of the pavement is good. However, the Rio-Antirrion sea-passage,
which is affected by weather conditions, as well as heavy traffic in the Rio-Antirrion area,
disrupts passage to the south. To the north, the E-951 connects with the E-90/E-853, leading
to Kalpaki and ultimately to Kakavia on the Greek-Albanian border. This road is generally in
good condition and construction is underway to improve it further. To the north-west, the E-90
leads from Kalpaki, Konitsa, and Kozani. National Coastal Road, E-55, connects the ports of
Preveza and Igoumenitsa and will be extended southward to the Prefecture of Etoloakarnania
via the underwater connection of Aktio with Preveza, and northward to the Greek-Albanian
border, near the town of Sagiada in the Prefecture of Thesprotia
20
. The East-West group of
national roads servicing the region are noted on Map 2. National Roads E-90/E-92 connect
the port of Igoumenitsa with Ioannina and Metsovo, and the extension of the E-92 to the east
links the region with the rest of Greece through the Katara saddle (to Trikala and Volos).
However, the E-92 is in poor condition which creates traffic problems year-round. In the
winter, the Katara saddle is unusable during snowstorms. Traffic problems have increased
since the outbreak of hostilities in the former Yugoslavia. National Road No. 21 links Preveza,
Philipiada and Arta and extends eastward via National Road 30 to Trikala and via regional
Road No. 12 to Karditsa. Both extensions are under construction. Finally, the road from Aktio
to Vonitsa to Amphilochia, although it does not belong to the region of Epirus, connects the E-
55 with Antirrion.

The initial design of the proposed Egnatia Road, with its branch to Volos and its relation to the
rest of the National road-transport network, are noted on Maps 3 and 4, respectively. The
Egnatia Road will link Igoumenitsa with Ioannina, Metsovo, Kozani, Veria and Thessaloniki.
Its total length will be approximately 150 km and its estimated cost of construction is 1
BECU
21
. Sections of the Egnatia Road, which are currently under construction and are co-
financed by the INTERREG program, are the Metsovo Tunnel (total length: 3,485 metres and
estimated cost 70 MECU), the Anilio and Malakasi B tunnels (total length: 325 metres and
200 metres, respectively and estimated total cost: 8.7 MECU), and the first part of access to
the Metsovo Tunnel (total length: 22 km and estimated cost: 40 MECU)
22
. The construction of
the Egnatia Road is considered instrumental to the lifting of the isolation of the region of
Epirus, and is expected to serve as a major link between Central Europe and the Middle East
and to contribute to the regions social and economic development, especially in light of the
current political situation in the former Yugoslavia
23
. The existing road-transport network,
connecting Greece with Central Europe through Yugoslavia, is shown on Map 5.

20
21
22
23

5.4.2 Harbours

The two ports of Epirus in the Ionian Sea are the port of Preveza, to the south, and the port of
Igoumenitsa, to the north. As mentioned previously, the port of Preveza cannot be expanded
as it is located at the entrance of Amvrakikos Bay, which is protected under the Ramsar
Treaty. It is small and lacks infrastructure. The port of Igoumenitsa also suffers, due to lack of
infrastructure and organisation, yet it has potential for expansion in order to serve as a
gateway from Greece to Central and Western Europe. The port is used for the transportation
of passengers, and, along with the port of Patras, serves the main bulk of the transport of
Greek products to Central Europe via Italian motorways
24
. The location of the port and its
connection with Italian ports and Italian and Austrian motorways is shown on Map 6.

5.4.3 Airports

There are two airports in the region of Epirus. The larger of the two is located in the town of
Ioannina. Daily flights connect Ioannina with Athens and Thessaloniki and weekly flights with
Tirana, Albania. Domestic flights are operated by Olympic Airlines and are conducted by
small propeller-driven planes (ATR-42 and ATR-72). Although the runway is suitable for the
landing of larger planes, a lack of infrastructure and reliable flight security systems has
inhibited such flights. Some improvements have been made (co-financed by the Structural
Funds) which include the expansion of the facilities, runway lighting installation, the fencing of
the airport area and the installation of certain radio transmitters). The airport of Aktio is
located at the southern end of the region, across from the port of Preveza. It is a military
airport, but it is used by Olympic Airways for flights and, in the summer, for international
charter flights. Both its military character and its distance from Ioannina have inhabited its
further development.

24

5.4.4 Railways

There is no railway network in Epirus.

5.5 Telecommunications Infrastructure

The telecommunications network currently servicing the region is inadequate. Tables 14 and
14A present some telecommunications statistics for the region and its prefectures.

Table 14: Epirus: Telephones Per 100 Inhabitants 1992

Prefecture of Ioannina 42.3

Prefecture of Thesprotia 33.6

Prefecture of Arta 29.7

Prefecture of Preveza 42.3

Epirus 38.2

Greece 50.9


Table 14A: Epirus: Main Telephone Lines Per 100 Inhabitants 1992

Prefecture of Ioannina 37.7

Prefecture of Thesprotia 30.8

Prefecture of Arta 28.6

Prefecture of Preveza 37.6

Epirus 36.8

Greece 47.2


The number of telephones per 100 inhabitants is lower than the comparable figure for Greece
as a whole. The index for the prefectures of Ioannina and Preveza (42.2 telephones per
inhabitants) is closer to the Greek average (50.9 telephones per 100 inhabitants).
Approximately 28,061 applications for new lines were outstanding in the year 1992, while
17,646 applications were approved in the same year and 5,771 were submitted for approval.
The delay period in satisfaction of outstanding applications in the year 1990 was 6 years,
which is the same as in the rest of Greece
25
. Installed capacity in the region covered 93% of
regional demand, compared to 94.4% for Greece as a whole
26
. Digitalisation had covered
4.9% of the telephone lines in the region in 1992 compared to 14% for Greece as a whole
27
.

25
Regional J ob Markets. A Study of the Region of Epirus, pp. 34-35.
26
27

The quality of telecommunications is also very poor with an average of 6.9 faults per 100
main lines per month in the year 1989, compared to a national average of 5.3.

6. THE ECONOMY

6.1. Primary Sector

As seen in Table 9, in 1981, 14.11% of the land in Epirus was used for agricultural holdings,
50.97 was grassland and 26.23% was covered by forests (compared to 29.9%, 39.8% and
22.4%, respectively for the country as a whole). Only 33.2% of land used for agricultural
holdings is flatland, compared to 55.7% for the country as a whole
28
. In 1989, 37.4% of the
land used for agricultural holdings was irrigated (compared to a national average of 29.9%)
29
.
The largest percentage of irrigated land is located in the prefecture of Arta (54.3%), followed
by the prefecture of Preveza (43.1%)
30
. The geomorphology of the region (unavailability of
flatland, extensive grassland and forests, rich water resources) has contributed to its
comparative advantage in stock-farming, forestry and fisheries, while farming is less
developed and serves mainly to satisfy stock-breeding demands. More specifically, stock-
farming accounts for 62% of GRP in the primary sector; farming accounts for 35%; forestry
accounts for 2%; and fisheries account for 1%
31
. Sheep and goat breeding account for 17.8%
of total Greek production, and poultry and pig breeding for 14.5%, each. Cattle breeding is
rather less developed, accounting for 6.6% of the national total
32
.

Tables 15 and 15A present the main agricultural and farming products for the region in the
year 1991.

28
General Study-Framework for Border Regions of Greece-European Community Programme
INTERREG, Athens, December, 1991 (hereinafter, General Study-Framework), Volume 4,
Chapter 3-Epirus, p. 8.
29
General Study-Framework, , 3-, p. 42.
30
General Study-Framework, , 3-, p. 42.
31
32

TABLE 15: Epirus: Main Agricultural Products 1991

Product Tons
Olive-oil (thousands of tons) 4,559
Tobacco 2,110
Cotton 1,975
Cereals 3,947
Citrus 173,760
Apples 1,752
Peaches 1,470
Potatoes 38,307
Tomatoes 32,127

Source: Regional Job Markets. A Study of the Region of Epirus, p. 29

TABLE 15A: Epirus: Main Farming Products 1991

Product Tons

Meat (thousands of tons) 52,806

Milk 131.194

Soft Cheese 11.630

Hard Cheese 3.459

Eggs (thousands of pieces) 132.346


The prefecture of Ioannina has rather developed sheep and goat, bird and pig breeding
industries. The main agricultural products are cereals, corn, rye and barley, which serve to
meet local stock-breeding needs. The main agricultural products in the prefecture of
Thesprotia are olives, corn and clover. Sheep, goat and pig breeding are relatively developed
but generally declining. Fishing is not as developed as it should be and the few fisheries in
the prefecture specialise in dorado and bass. The prefecture of Preveza produces garden
produce in greenhouses. Agricultural products, produced in the prefecture, also include edible
olives used for oil production. Sheep and goat breeding is relatively developed, as is pig
breeding, especially in the region of Filippiada. Fishing is also developed, with a number of
trout fisheries along the river Louros and the shores of Amvrakikos Bay. The agricultural
products of the prefecture of Arta, with the exception of citrus production, supply its especially
developed sheep and goat breeding industry. The prefectures citrus production supplies the
two juice factories in the region.
The primary sector employs the largest percentage of the regions workforce (45.8% in
1990)
33
. Approximately 22% of the workforce employed in the primary sector were men and
23% were women
34
.

Generally, production takes place in small, family-operated units, with the exception of few
larger pig and bird breeding units. It is noteworthy that in 1987, only 7% of the total number of
households employed in the primary sector declared farming and/or stock-breeding as their
exclusive occupation and approximately 40% of the members of households employed in the
primary sector had a second occupation
35
.

In general, further development of the farming industry requires improvement of the irrigation
network and the application of more advanced cultivation methods. Problems in stock
breeding are related to the lack of animal feed, the small size and wide dispersion of
production units, weak infrastructure, the reluctance of young people to enter the industry and
pollution caused by poultry and pig farms. The forestry sector faces problems related to land
ownership, conflicts over land use and lack of a manufacturing industry for timber production.

6.2 Secondary Sector

The manufacturing industry in Epirus is underdeveloped compared to the rest of the country.
Although the region has approximately 3.3% of the countrys population and produces
between 2.3 to 2.5% of the Gross National Product, manufacturing in Epirus contributes only
between 0.6 to 1.4 of the manufacturing Gross National Product
36
. Manufacturing accounted
for 39% of GRP in 1987 (up from 33% in 1970)
37
.

Table 16, below, presents the number of manufacturing units operating in the region and
each of its prefectures in the year 1988. Table 17 presents the number of manufacturing units
by sector for the same year.

Table 18 presents the sectors with specialisation coefficients greater than 2 for the region and
its prefectures for the year 1984.

33
34
35
36
37

Table 16: Epirus: Number of Manufacturing Units 1988

Prefecture

Units
Prefecture of Ioannina 1,990
(54.4%)
Prefecture of Thesprotia 412
(11.3%)
Prefecture of Arta 659
(18%)
Prefecture of Preveza 600
(16.4%)

Epirus 3.661

Source: Regional Job Markets, A Study of Epirus, p. 46

TABLE 17: Number of Manufacturing Units by Sector 1988

Sector Units
Food 670
Beverages 29
Tobacco --
Textiles 107
Clothing and Footwear 338
Wood-Cork 618
Furniture 219
Paper 2
Printing 52
Leather 5
Rubber 65
Chemicals 21
Petroleum Products 4
Non-Metallic Minerals 215
Metallurgy 1
Metal Products 500
Machinery 55
Electrical Supplies 124
Transport Equipment 519
Misc. 111
Total 3.655


Table 18: Manufacturing Sectors with Specialisation Coefficients Greater than 2,
1984

Sectors Prefecture
of
Ioannina
Prefecture
of
Thesprotia
Prefecture
of
Arta
Prefecture
of
Preveza
201-Butchery, Meat
Production and
Preservation
6.3 (1.1) 2.3 8.6
202-Dairy Products 4.7 2.2 2.1 (1.7)
203-Preserved Fruits,
Vegetables, Oils Fish
7.6 (1.0)
204-Oils and Fats 4.4 5.3
205-Cereals and Beans (1.2) 4.3 (1.0)
208-Chocolate and
Sugar Confectionery
(1.5) 2.1
211-Spirits-Wines and
Beer
(1.3) 2.2
214-Non-alcoholic
Beverage and Mineral
Waters
5.1
231-Yarns-Fabrics of
Natural and Artificial
Wool
2.1 2.4 3.2
232-Yarns-Fabrics of
Natural and Artificial
Cotton
9.0 5.4
239-Other Textile
Industries
(1.1) 2.7
242-Clothing 2.5 (1.2)
251-Wood
Manufacturing
2.9
252-Wood Construction
Materials
(1.6) (1.8) 3.0 2.0
253-Wood Packaging
Article, Baskets
10.1
259-Wood and Cork
Articles
4.5
329-Petrol and Carbon
by-Products
3.1 4.6
331-Burned Clay
Construction Materials
5.9 4.6 2.3
335-Lime-Gypsum-Putty 2.2
336-Cement and
Cement Products
(1.8) 2.4
337-Marble and Marble
Products
9.0 2.8 (1.9)
339-Non Metallic Mineral
Products
2.9
353-Metal Building
Materials and Metal
Constructions
2.5 2.2.
357-Copper, Bronze and
Lead Products
3.8
386-Bicycles and Motor-
Cycle Repairs
3.2
394-J ewellery and Clock
Production
3.8

Source: Human Resources, Planet, p. 41

In 1988, there were 3,661 manufacturing units operating in the region. Clearly, the largest
number of manufacturing units (54.5%) are located in the prefecture of Ioannina, followed by
the prefecture of Arta (with 18%D). From tables 17 and 18, it is apparent that the main
manufacturing sectors in the region are food (with an emphasis on dairy products),
beverages, wood products, textiles, non-metallic minerals, metal products and jewellery (in
the prefecture of Ioannina). Specifically, in the prefecture of Ioannina, there are approximately
80 marble production units, approximately 30 dairy product units (the largest one being the
Dodoni Milk factory), close to 500 poultry farms, a significant number of meat and egg
factories, some chemical factories, food and beverage units (three modern wineries in the
Metsovo-Zitsa area, three bottled water factories, a Coca-Cola plant, three animal feed units,
a number of pig factories and fisheries specialising mainly in trout), building and related
material units, machinery units, wood product units (specialising mostly in furniture and roof
materials), approximately 130 metal product units, jewellery units and textile factories. The
prefecture of Thesprotia has a very underdeveloped manufacturing sector, the only exception
being the operation of one textile factory near Filiates. The largest number of manufacturing
units in the prefecture of Arta are in the food and beverage sector. There are two large juice
factories, five alcoholic beverage plants, pork-meat and meat plants, a large chocolate
factory, some small building and related material units, small wood product units, small metal
product units, small textile factories and a number of small dairy product units. The prefecture
of Preveza has only a few small dairy product units, small building and related material units,
and one large textile factory. There are approximately 9 factories operating in the newly
founded industrial zone located near the town of Preveza
38
.

Most manufacturing units are small, exploit local materials and offer their products mainly in
local markets. As shown below in Table 19, most manufacturing units employ less than 50
persons. Only 17 units employ more than 50 persons and of these, only 4 employ over 200
persons (in the food and textile industries)
39
.

38
Regional J ob Markets. A study of the Region of Epirus, pp. 46-47.
39
Human Resources, The socio-Economic Morphology of the Region of Epirus, p. 42.

TABLE 19: Epirus: Number of Manufacturing Units by Sector of Economic Activity
and Number of Employees 1984
Sector/Units 0-9 10-49 50+ Total
number of
Units
Total
number of
Employees
20-Food 755 22 6 783 3.058
21-Beverages 34 6 -- 40 214
Tobacco -- -- -- --
23-Textiles 132 6 2 140 --
24-Clothing and
Footwear
343 12 4 359 1.286
25-Wood-Cork 595 10 -- 605 1.359
26-Furniture 230 7 -- 237 670
27-Paper -- 1 -- 1 8
28-Printing 47 1 -- 48 138
Leather 3 -- -- 3 4
30-Rubber 68 2 -- 70 163
31-Chemicals 8 1 -- 9 60
32-Petroleum
Products
1 3 -- 4 41
33-Non-Metallic
Minerals
209 38 2 249 1.493
Metallurgy 0 0 0 0 0
35-Metal Products 565 5 3 573 1.359
36-Machinery 60 2 -- 62 164
37-Electrical
Supplies
108 -- -- 108 174
38-Transport
Equipment
436 3 -- 439 878
39-Misc. 100 2 -- 102 225
Total 3.695 120 17 3.832 12.417

The secondary sector employs the smallest percentage of the regions workforce (20.4% in
1990, up from 17% in 1970)
40
. The largest employers in the region are the food, wood
textiles, metal products, non-metallic minerals, transport equipment and clothing and footwear
industries (in descending order), all employing a larger percentage of the regional workforce
than the national average (with the exception of the transport equipment industry).
Employment in the food, beverage, clothing and wood industries decreased in the period
between 1978 and 1988, while employment in the textiles, printing, rubber, chemical,
electrical supply and transport equipment increased during the same period. Table 20, below,
presents employment by sector for the region and Greece for the year 1988.

Table 20: Epirus, Greece: Employment by Sector 1988 (expressed in %)
Sector/Units Epirus Greece
20-Food 25.7 14.7
21-Beverages 1.4 1.9
Tobacco -- 1.8
23-Textiles 10.8 9.4
24-Clothing and
Footwear
8.3 4.3
25-Wood-Cork 11.2 4.3
26-Furniture 5 1.7
27-Paper -- 3.2
28-Printing 1.5 1.7
Leather -- 2.7
30-Rubber 1.1 3.9
31-Chemicals 0.7 1.0
32-Petroleum Products 0.2 5.3
33-Non-metallic-
Minerals
0.1 1.4
Metallurgy -- 1.4
35-Metal Products 10.3 6.6
36-Machinery 1.1 3.1
37-Electrical Supplies 1.4 3.1
38-Transport
Equipment
8.8 9.8
39-Misc. 1.6 1.9
Total 100 100

Source: Regional Job Markets, A study of the Region of Epirus, p. 109.

40
Regional J ob Markets. A study of the Region of Epirus, p. 98

The underdevelopment of the manufacturing sector is due to the small size of the majority of
units, the specialisation in traditional sectors characterised by low profitability, the lack of
technology and specialised personnel, and the low level of investment.

Combined with the geographic isolation and the lack of infrastructure in the region discussed
previously, these factors have contributed to the orientation of manufacturing in the region
almost exclusively toward local markets. Future development will require the improvement of
the regional infrastructure in general, the development of production for export, the
modernisation and expansion of existing manufacturing units exploiting the regions natural
resources, the upgrading of traditional activities and of sectors where the region is already
specialised, and the development of reliable information-distribution networks.

6.3 Tertiary Sector

The tourism industry dominates the tertiary sector, even though it is not particularly developed
throughout the region, with the exception of the town of Parga (prefecture of Preveza) and
some areas along the Ionian coastline. Development is hindered by the lack of infrastructure
and limited promotional activities. The region has only 2.2% of the countrys hotel units and
1.8% of its capacity
41
. In 1990, there were 132 hotels, with a total capacity of 6,644, 16
camping sites (with room for 3,909 campers) and 2,011 rooms-to-let units (operating under
the authority of the National Tourism Organisation) with a total capacity of 4,275
42
. Only
28.1% of the tourists were foreigners
43
.

The tertiary sector employed approximately 33.8% of the regions workforce in 1990.
Employment in the tertiary sector appears to be on the rise, due mainly to the development of
the tourist industry and increased demand for services. The tertiary sector is absorbing the
workforce which is departing from the primary sector. Commerce in the region employs 6.2%
of the regions workforce (1990). In 1988, the number of stores in the region was about 6,000,
employing an average of 1.8 persons per store. 50% of the stores in the region and 51% of
the workforce employed in commerce are located in the prefecture of Ioannina
44
.

41
General Study-Framework, p. 16.
42
General Study-Framework, p. 15.
43
44

There is great potential for development in the tourism industry. The region has all of the
necessary preconditions (clean beaches, beautiful landscapes, archeological sites,
picturesque villages) to attract tourists year round, provided that the necessary infrastructure
projects are completed. Because the tourism industry is considered to be one of the most
critical industries conducive to exploitation for the economic development of Epirus, an
appendix (Appendix A) devoted to the tourism-related infrastructure that currently exists in the
region has been added to this document.
6.4 Basic Economic Indices

Table 21, below, sets forth some basic economic indices for the prefectures of Ioannina,
Thesprotia, Arta and Preveza and the corresponding national average.

Table 21: Basic Economic Indices
Economic
Indices
Ioannina Thesprotia Arta Preveza Greece
Average Yearly Rate of
Change of Population
1981-1991
0.65 0.69 -0.15 0.52 0.52
Primary Education
Students (% of total
population) 1989
8 8.6 7.5 8.8 8.1
J unior High Students (%
of total population) 1990
4.2 4 4 5.1 4.3
High-School Students (%
of total population) 1990
2.8 2.2 2.6 3.2 2.6
Primary Education
Schools per 1,000
Inhabitants 1989
1.32 1.52 1.23 1.44 0.77
J unior High School per
1,000 Inhabitants 1990
0.27 0.27 0.25 2.20 0.17
High-School per 1,000
Inhabitants 1990
0.14 0.11 0.14 0.14 0.11
Hospital Beds per 1,000
Inhabitants
5.83 1.92 1.51 2.24 4.99
Doctors per 1,000
Inhabitants
4.09 1.29 1.48 1.27 3.63
Per Capita Income 1990 137.389 136.935 116.126 133.131 179.040
Number of Housing Units
per 1,000 Inhabitants
1991
462 447 407 406 457
Investments in millions of
drachmas per 1,000
Inhabitants
41.1 34.5 49.1 37.5 456.9
Number of Manufacturing
Units per 1,000
Inhabitants 1988
12.7 9.3 8.3 10.2 14.1
Number of Retail Stores
1988
16.9 14.4 14,3 17 18
Number of Wholesale
Stores per 1,000
Inhabitants 1988
2.2 1.5 1.3 1.9 3
Number of Motor
Vehicles per 1,000
Inhabitants 1990
104 73.3 75.5 76 165.8
Consumption of Electric
Energy in KWH per 1,000
Inhabitants 1991
1,719 861 1,170 1,568 2,884
Deposits in millions of
Drachmas per 1,000
Inhabitants 1990
644 558 431 537 779
Agricultural Holdings per
1,000 Inhabitants
2.539 5.082 4.419 5.389 3.898
Hotel Unit Total Capacity
1991
15.8 31.3 4.9 44.7 44.7
Paved Road Network (%)
1986
62.6 59.4 69.8 77.5 70.4
Road Network (in Km)
per 100 square Km
28.3 31.1 30.3 35.2 28.8
In general, most indices for the region are lower than the corresponding national averages. It
appears that the prefecture of Ioannina is the most developed of the four prefectures of the
region. More specifically, all prefectures exhibited a positive average yearly rate of change of
the population between 1981 and 1991, which was equal to or greater than the national
average, with the exception of the prefecture of Arta, which exhibited a negative average
yearly rate of change. Indices of the educational level in the region are close to or greater
than the national average, as discussed more fully in Section 4. In the health sector, the
prefecture of Ioannina is clearly more developed than the other prefectures and the country
as a whole. Per capita income in 1990 was below the national average in all four prefectures
and highest in the prefecture of Ioannina. The number of housing units per 1,000 inhabitants
is close to the national average in the prefectures of Ioannina and Thesprotia. Investments
per 1,000 inhabitants were highest in the prefecture of Arta, followed by the prefecture of
Ioannina, but are no greater than 10% of the national average in all of prefectures. The
number of manufacturing units, retail and wholesale stores are all below the national average
and lowest in the prefecture of Arta.

There is greater consumption of motor vehicles and electric energy and higher deposits per
1,000 inhabitants in the prefecture of Ioannina than in the other prefectures, but again, this is
below the national average. As discussed more fully above, the prefecture of Preveza has the
largest number of agricultural holdings and the greatest hotel unit capacity (equal to the
national average).

APPENDIX A

Tourism in the Region of Epirus
Tourism in the Region of Epirus

1. Tourism-related Infrastructure

1.1 Hotels

Tables 1, 2, 3, below, depict the number of hotels and rooms-to-let in the region of Epirus by
Prefecture and category in 1995, according to the National Tourist Organization of Greece
(EOT).

Table 1: Hotels and Rooms-to-Let in Epirus, 1995

PREFECTURE HOTELS ROOMS-TO-LET CAMP SITES
Ioannina 63 85 1
Arta 7 5 0
Thesprotia 30 ? 5
Preveza 49 423 9
TOTAL 149 ? 15

Table 2: Hotels in Epirus by Category, 1995

CATEGORY
PREFECTURE A B C D E
Ioannina 1 17 34 5 6
Arta 0 2 3 1 1
Thesprotia 1 9 11 6 3
Preveza 1 10 25 7 6
TOTAL 4 39 73 17 15
Table 3: Rooms-to-let in Epirus by Category, 1995

CATEGORY
PREFECTURE A B C
Ioannina 35 34 16
Arta 2 3 0
Thesprotia ? ? ?
Preveza 173 71 179
TOTAL

A brief description of the Class A hotels is included below, in order to give a clearer picture of
the type of accommodation and level of service that is provided by the hotels in the region.

Diasselo-Metsovo Conference Centre, Metsovo, Prefecture of Ioannina

Located on the second floor of the Metsovo Conference Centre, this hotel does not operate
independently, hosting conference guests exclusively. Central heating, private bath, living-
room, bar.

Hotel Regina Mare, Karavostasi, Prefecture of Thesprotia

Built above a private beach, all rooms have a view of the sea. Central heating, private bath,
two tennis courts, basketball court, pool, night-club and bar on the premises and
entertainment for children. The restaurant seats 250. There is a 100-vehicle outdoor parking
area.

Hotel Alpha, Parga, Prefecture of Preveza

Central heating, a/c in all rooms, pool, bar and breakfast area.

It is noted that there is no Class A hotel in the Prefecture of Arta or in the city of Ioannina,
which is the capital of the region.
1.2 Restaurants

Table 4 depicts the number of restaurants in the region of Epirus by Prefecture, according to
the Organization of Restaurant Owners most recent records. It is noted that these records
are in primitive condition and are considered by the organizations themselves to be
incomplete. They are, however, the only source of information available in this category.

Table 4: Restaurants in Epirus

PREFECTURE RESTAURANTS
Ioannina 82
Arta 59
Thesprotia 50
Preveza 48
TOTAL 239

1.3 Entertainment

Table 5 depicts the number of cafe/bar/clubs in the region of Epirus by Prefecture, according
to the Owners Organizations most recent records. These records are also in primitive
condition but, once again, the only source of information available.

Table 5: Cafe/bar/clubs in Epirus

PREFECTURE Cafe/Bar/Clubs
Ioannina 63
Arta 50
Thesprotia 45
Preveza 30
TOTAL 188

There are ten (10) Art Exhibition Centres/Art Galleries in the Prefecture of Ioannina, one (1) in
the Prefecture of Arta, one (1) in the Prefecture of Thesprotia and one (1) in the Prefecture of
Preveza. In addition, there are four (4) movie theatres in the city of Ioannina, three (3) local
theatre companies and two (2) movie theatres in each of the Prefectures of Arta and Preveza.
1.4 Marinas

There are 4 marinas in the Prefecture of Thesprotia. The marinas of Igoumenitsa, Plataria,
and Sagiada each have a maximum capacity of 40 ships, of up to 5 registered tons each.
Fuel is available from private suppliers. The harbor of Syvota has the same capacity and also
docks passenger boats from the islands of Paxi on a daily basis.

In the Prefecture of Preveza, the Preveza marina has a maximum capacity of 400 ships, of 5
to 200 registered tons each. Fuel is available from private suppliers. The Parga marina
(Valtos location), has a maximum capacity of 7 ships, of up to 5 registered tons each.

1.5 Conference Centres

The Epirot Studies Company (EIM), located in the city of Ioannina has two amphitheater-style
conference rooms, for 120 and 300 persons, respectively, audio-visual equipment, an
exhibition hall and bar. The Ioannina City Cultural Centre has an amphitheater which seats
500 downstairs and 200 on the balcony. A smaller 50-person conference room is also
available. The Centre has audiovisual equipment but no translation facilities.

There are two areas available for conferences and meetings at the University of Ioannina, the
University Great Hall and the Amphitheater of the Philosophy Department. The former has a
capacity of 500 and the latter of 314 persons. Both have audio-visual equipment, a reception
area, an exhibition hall, a bar and a restaurant.

The Metsovo Conference Centre, located in the town of Metsovo and owned and operated by
the EGNATIA EPIRUS Foundation, is the only organized conference centre in the region. It
provides modern technical and organizational infrastructure in an elegant, traditional building.
The Conference Centre has 2 conference rooms, for 220 and 120 persons, respectively,
state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, translation coverage for 7+1 languages, 5 workshops,
an exhibition hall of 200 square meters, a press room, secretarial support facilities, a lounge,
bar and a restaurant. Conference participants and accompanying persons can stay in the
Conference Centre Inn (17 Class A rooms).

The Konitsa Conference Room is located in Konitsa Town Hall. It has one room with a
capacity of 111 persons, audio-visual equipment, translation coverage for 3+1 languages, an
exhibition area and a bar.
The Arta Cultural Centre has three (3) rooms available for conferences and meetings with a
350, 50 and 15-person capacity, respectively. Audio-visual equipment is available. The
smaller rooms double as display areas.

The conference room located in Igoumenitsa Town Hall has a 120-person capacity and
audiovisual equipment. Finally, the Theofanios Room in the city of Preveza hosts conferences
for up to 180 persons.

2. EXISTING PRICING POLICY

Most tourists arriving in the region by air arrive via Olympic Airways at Ioannina airport. The
cost of a round-trip, Athens-Ioannina ticket is Dr. 34,200. The cost of a round-trip,
Thessaloniki-Ioannina ticket is Dr. 10,800. Prices of charter flight tickets to Aktio differ,
depending on the operator.

Daily, there are eight (8) buses from Athens to Ioannina and five (5) buses from Thessaloniki
to Ioannina, which are operated by KTEL. The price of a one-way ticket is Dr. 6,000 and Dr.
5,350, respectively.

Several companies operate passenger ships from Italy to the port of Igoumenitsa, most
stopping at Kerkyra. Indicative prices are given in Table 5 on the subsequent page. All prices
are in Greek Drachmas (low-season and high-season).

Table 6: Indicative Prices of Passenger Lines Operating to Igoumenitsa Port

Prices
Company Route Deck Double
Inside
Double
Outside
Adriatica Igoumenitsa-Brindisi 8,500-
14,500
15,500-
23,500
23,000-
34,500
Minoan-Strintzis
Lines
Patra-Kerkyra-Igoumenitsa-
Venice
14,200-
18,800
32,000-
43,200
43,200-
74,200
Minoan-Strintzis
Lines
Patra-Kerkyra-Igoumenitsa-
Ankona
13,600-
17,800
30,000-
45,200
40,900-
70,500
Agioudimos Lines Igoumenitsa-Brindisi 5,000-
7,000
11,000-
14,000
17,000-
20,000
European Sea Ways Igoumenitsa-Brindisi 5,000 13,000 17,000
There is very little information available concerning hotel and rooms-to-let prices and the
services offered.

The prices for the Class A hotels in the region, as outlined in Section 1.2.1, are included in
Table 6 below (Greek Drachmas).

Table 7: Indicative Prices of Class A Hotels in Epirus

PRICE
HOTEL Single Double Suite
Diasselo 16,000 22,400 28,000
Regina Mare 9,025-12,350 9,550-18,700 N/A
Alpha 8,262-12,668 9,694-17,074 20,379-29,633

The Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) set floors on the prices of hotel rooms,
furnished apartments, and rooms-to-let.

Table 8: EOT Hotel Floor Prices, 1996 (Low, High Season)

CLASS Single Sgle/bath Double Dble/bath Triple Tple/bath
A 3100
4900
5300 8300 5300
8100
7400 12200 N/A 9200
14300
B 2300 3500 3600 5600 3700
6400
4600
7100
N/A 5800
8900
C 2000 3200 2500 3900 2600
4100
3700 5700 3800
5900
4400
6800
D 1600
2500
2200
3300
2300
3600
3200
4900
3200
4900
3500
5400
E 1400
2100
1800
2800
2000
3000
2800
4200
2800
4900
2900
4500
Table 8a: EOT Furnished Apartment-room Floor Prices, 1996 (Low, High Season)

CLASS 1 Single

1 Double 1 Single and 1
Double
2 Doubles 1 Single and
2 Doubles
A 9000
13900
10000
15400
13600
21100
14700
22700
18400
28400
B 6400
9800
7500
11600
10000
15500
11200
17300
13700
21100
C 5000
7700
5600
8600
7600
11700
8000
12400
10000
15400
D 3500
5300
4400
6800
6300
9800
6900
10700
8800
13600

3. COMPETITION

Unfortunately, there are no official statistics available.

Generally, the tourism sector in the region is considered to be underdeveloped, with the
exception of the coastal areas.

The main disadvantages of the region, with respect to tourism development, are:

1. Isolation, poor national road network connections
2. Lack of infrastructure
3. Lack of specialized personnel in the tourism industry
4. Insufficient planning on a local and national governmental level

Ironically, the regions advantages stem largely from its isolation and underdevelopment,
namely the fact that its natural attractions remain largely intact and its traditions have been
preserved. There is a small number of tourists in the inland areas.
4. ANALYSIS OF TOURISTIC DEMAND

In this section, touristic demand is analyzed by way of Tables 9-28 below, which depict data
obtained from EOT.

Table 9: Monthly Arrivals, 1990-1995, Area of Ioannina (city of Ioannina, Tzoumerka,
Perama)
YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 9,013 8,559 9,270 9,598 10,575 10,339
February 9,251 8,819 10,432 8,933 9,143 9,420
March 10,862 14,790 10,691 10,476 12,882 11,320
April 17,578 16,193 17,357 15,972 17,504 18,859
May 16,798 16,009 15,754 15,627 18,960 16,151
J une 17,369 14,945 15,407 13,795 16,675 15,522
J uly 21,797 20,030 17,917 20,911 19,540 20,315
August 32,759 31,003 24,081 25,833 26,929 22,324
September 17,844 20,396 17,463 19,069 18,736 N/A
October 13,220 15,371 13,949 14,485 13,292 N/A
November 10,669 11,937 11,054 12,171 11,899 N/A
December 10,554 9,688 12,010 11,232 11,097 N/A
Table 10: Overnight Stays by Month, 1990-1995, Area of Ioannina (City of Ioannina,
Tzoumerka, Perama)

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 18,351 17,928 24,886 18,667 21,621 19,677
February 19,301 18,086 26,042 18,591 15,960 17,599
March 22,840 26,853 25,991 21,103 25,726 21,142
April 30,161 29,117 34,747 28,981 30,401 31,575
May 31,546 30,456 32,508 28,985 33,164 28,455
J une 31,490 29,407 34,760 26,879 30,858 28,618
J uly 33,981 33,132 29,458 35,063 36,147 36,913
August 49,998 48,124 40,583 40,863 43,837 38,279
September 30,662 33,916 31,712 31,722 31,571 N/A
October 26,038 31,613 26,934 27,681 25,133 N/A
November 21,441 27,462 21,124 23,057 23,130 N/A
December 22,411 25,525 22,713 22,716 22,793 N/A

Table 11: Monthly Arrivals, 1990-1995, Metsovo

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 1,568 1,637 1,226 1,366 1,858 2,351
February 1,239 812 619 770 717 762
March 330 1,036 923 1,190 1,535 1,092
April 1,707 1,314 1,594 1,584 1,092 2,142
May 576 1,281 1,211 1,574 1,632 N/A
J une 1,283 1,092 1,168 1,326 1,430 1,493
J uly 1,767 1,892 1,517 2,181 2,138 1,992
August 3,740 4,301 3,479 4,371 4,386 4,134
September 1,506 1,307 1,112 1,752 2,108 N/A
October 1,168 1,643 2,182 1,414 1,485 N/A
November 856 992 699 876 1,172 N/A
December 1,957 2,405 1,742 2,020 2,135 N/A
Table 12: Overnight Stays by Month, 1990-1995, Metsovo

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 3,148 2,329 2,120 2,562 3,259 4,137
February 2,422 1,652 1,001 1,408 1,007 1,039
March 721 1,686 1,820 1,976 2,797 1,876
April 3,831 2,337 2,882 2,950 1,784 3,677
May 1,390 1,989 1,907 2,175 2,419 N/A
J une 2,193 1,761 1,553 1,806 2,125 2,295
J uly 3,616 3,242 2,417 3,365 2,826 2,635
August 5,666 5,996 5,427 6,611 6,092 6,359
September 2,307 2,050 1,837 2,933 2,981 N/A
October 2,465 2,807 3,562 2,350 2,708 N/A
November 1,736 1,625 1,238 1,226 2,590 N/A
December 1,957 2,405 1,742 2,020 2,135 N/A

Table 13: Monthly Arrivals, 1990-1995, Konitsa

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 356 366 256 290 405 312
February 244 180 176 N/A 135 N/A
March 175 246 221 224 348 239
April 504 410 350 443 197 409
May 454 371 477 481 376 381
J une 385 327 353 347 257 349
J uly 608 442 378 441 492 289
August 945 1,187 949 1,055 747 669
September 493 356 306 297 365 N/A
October 354 513 519 498 407 N/A
November 321 361 460 308 596 N/A
December 416 359 358 322 476 N/A
Table 14: Overnight Stays by Month, 1990-1995, Konitsa

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 636 2,239 737 661 896 717
February 456 397 352 N/A 220 N/A
March 261 415 448 422 709 437
April 924 917 699 852 296 776
May 728 763 750 676 727 732
J une 515 570 625 472 414 426
J uly 1,619 1,592 496 1,100 587 535
August 2,825 2,901 1,596 2,395 1,222 1,050
September 669 558 586 427 532 N/A
October 613 921 829 849 804 N/A
November 554 702 685 462 1,475 N/A
December 1,048 787 682 787 810 N/A

Table 15: Monthly Arrivals, 1990-1995, Zagori Area

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 170 151 173 199 128 318
February 130 47 80 N/A 112 126
March 142 244 126 134 280 164
April 413 457 215 423 281 498
May 221 411 420 234 566 247
J une 373 347 534 184 198 348
J uly 257 706 344 312 471 246
August 408 888 642 411 734 540
September 420 354 207 204 303 N/A
October 468 265 297 299 324 N/A
November 302 100 223 144 189 N/A
December 316 294 178 161 408 N/A
Table 16: Overnight Stays by Month, 1990-1995, Zagori Area

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 365 254 576 320 495 1,128
February 301 99 142 N/A 191 233
March 349 526 296 264 896 373
April 1,042 1,019 695 1,454 1,184 1,287
May 501 809 977 1,092 1,933 408
J une 868 590 927 386 571 588
J uly 678 1,526 1,168 869 1,378 547
August 1,153 1,744 1,975 1,415 1,996 1,022
September 702 719 415 437 786 N/A
October 1,290 601 640 804 979 N/A
November 436 247 356 279 586 N/A
December 1,109 1,211 774 600 1,231 N/A

Table 17: Monthly Arrivals, 1990-1995, Prefecture of Thesprotia

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 2,052 6,062 1,407 1,718 2,012 1,482
February 1,314 1,074 2,176 1,270 1,589 1,728
March 2,523 1,868 2,240 1,229 2,009 1,981
April 4,146 2,635 2,549 1,772 2,556 1,768
May 4,349 3,395 5,183 3,472 3,591 4,180
J une 5,741 2,618 5,014 2,738 4,381 3,823
J uly 9,787 5,755 8,490 8,557 7,608 8,382
August 13,640 8,661 12,148 9,085 11,752 8,120
September 5,451 4,547 7,688 4,608 6,614 N/A
October 2,231 2,044 1,253 3,078 1,775 N/A
November 1,897 1,483 1,944 2,479 1,210 N/A
December 1,734 1,379 1,424 845 1,594 N/A
Table 18: Overnight Stays by Month, 1990-1995, Prefecture of Thesprotia

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 2,960 7,866 3,191 2,370 2,861 2,200
February 1,738 1,494 4,500 1,560 2,240 3,243
March 2,750 4,131 2,974 1,736 2,689 3,129
April 5,351 3,673 3,368 2,227 3,461 2,978
May 6,686 5,158 8,695 5,163 5,256 6,216
J une 9,547 4,605 8,798 4,555 6,705 5,729
J uly 15,793 9,442 13,112 13,125 12,064 21,385
August 22,852 14,197 20,133 15,120 18,615 10,829
September 8,629 6,904 8,992 7,441 10,129 N/A
October 3,277 2,748 1,750 4,033 2,913 N/A
November 2,852 2,799 2,642 3,021 2,741 N/A
December 2,362 3,622 1,810 1,128 2,243 N/A

Table 19: Monthly Arrivals, 1990-1995, Syvota

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
February N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
March N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
April N/A N/A N/A 370 N/A 146
May 586 501 412 425 538 628
J une 864 633 878 1,537 893 1,444
J uly 1,471 946 1,000 2,868 2,210 1,222
August 1,823 1,679 1,545 2,135 2,235 4,187
September 897 634 494 731 680 N/A
October 203 177 21 308 N/A N/A
November N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
December N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Table 20: Overnight Stays by Month, 1990-1995, Syvota

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
February N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
March N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
April N/A N/A N/A 890 N/A 405
May 4,559 4,208 2,711 3,206 4,532 4,941
J une 7,588 5,710 8,333 8,766 8,286 10,226
J uly 11,304 8,074 5,853 16,609 13,469 4,875
August 14,844 10,720 11,660 13,952 14,273 25,638
September 7,586 5,968 5,307 7,053 6,576 N/A
October 2,852 2,926 501 3,277 N/A N/A
November N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
December N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Table 21: Monthly Arrivals, 1990-1995, Preveza

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 2,341 2,089 2,381 2,336 2,272 2,586
February 2,541 2,091 2,484 2,496 2,392 2,493
March 2,096 2,382 2,694 2,631 3,177 3,521
April 3,024 3,730 3,725 3,844 3,633 4,407
May 5,386 4,358 4,771 3,913 4,981 5,045
J une 5,309 3,776 5,563 5,255 5,473 5,475
J uly 8,716 8,265 9,741 8,159 7,835 9,072
August 12,856 10,566 12,167 10,868 12,692 12,744
September 5,218 3,950 5,520 5,038 6,506 N/A
October 2,663 2,570 2,924 3,389 3,088 N/A
November 2,522 2,285 2,288 2,632 3,357 N/A
December 2,188 2,375 2,192 4,332 1,731 N/A
Table 22: Overnight Stays by Month, 1990-1995, Preveza

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 4,111 3,313 3,706 3,822 4,425 5,411
February 4,563 3,323 3,844 4,383 3,843 4,639
March 3,769 4,320 4,911 5,134 5,124 5,708
April 6,058 5,463 8,314 10,194 6,994 9,760
May 12,915 9,066 12,403 10,703 12,807 11,764
J une 12,083 9,380 13,533 15,649 15,171 14,595
J uly 30,238 28,592 35,978 34,866 28,065 34,207
August 50,275 44,673 49,568 43,531 58,645 52,930
September 14,734 10,523 16,903 17,050 20,744 N/A
October 4,093 4,760 4,973 6,632 7,699 N/A
November 5,326 3,489 4,242 5,217 8,190 N/A
December 3,427 3,861 4,250 5,196 4,924 N/A

Table 23: Monthly Arrivals, 1990-1995, Parga

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary N/A 103 76 105 112 118
February 45 67 89 109 70 125
March 217 145 212 151 262 211
April 848 276 392 176 210 608
May 1,710 1,394 1,405 1,256 1,505 2,420
J une 4,475 2,753 3,240 2,935 2,494 2,912
J uly 5,546 5,200 5,718 5,747 5,062 6,981
August 8,101 7,244 7,258 7,989 11,516 10,081
September 2,929 3,917 3,133 2,831 3,899 N/A
October 449 335 311 398 348 N/A
November 131 129 140 106 126 N/A
December 77 81 116 122 128 N/A
Table 24: Overnight Stays by Month, 1990-1995, Parga

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary N/A 109 101 123 186 173
February 57 129 137 149 95 194
March 293 265 455 191 401 323
April 1,703 443 842 284 446 1,414
May 8,103 6,909 5,903 5,492 6,509 8,900
J une 22,465 18,131 18,874 14,731 14,885 14,607
J uly 30,582 36,481 29,675 31,300 23,408 26,829
August 37,897 39,426 39,038 42,658 44,631 37,855
September 18,341 18,099 19,070 17,048 19,617 N/A
October 2,146 1,632 1,175 2,215 1,875 N/A
November 153 163 189 190 193 N/A
December 148 158 259 264 198 N/A

Table 25: Monthly Arrivals, 1990-1995, Arta

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 1,954 1,868 1,643 1,810 1,899 1,971
February 1,916 1,770 1,817 1,897 1,790 1,710
March 2,418 1,958 1,936 2,068 1,948 1,769
April 2,085 1,902 2,026 1,986 1,942 1,912
May 2,156 2,159 2,134 1,825 2,606 1,949
J une 1,920 1,927 2,241 1,829 1,545 1,704
J uly 1,337 2,405 2,599 2,038 2,023 2,090
August 3,078 2,864 3,110 2,114 2,439 2,152
September 2,133 2,276 2,162 2,158 2,126 N/A
October 2,202 2,099 2,328 1,883 1,952 N/A
November 2,007 2,000 1,905 1,969 1,720 N/A
December 1,905 1,813 1,709 1,737 1,397 N/A
Table 26: Overnight Stays by Month, 1990-1995, Arta

YEAR
MONTH 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
J anuary 4,824 4,561 4,177 4,650 4,382 4,519
February 4,571 4,615 4,146 4,696 4,340 4,162
March 5,306 4,778 4,754 4,898 4,427 4,451
April 5,073 4,365 5,497 4,664 4,220 4,629
May 5,213 5,238 4,933 4,483 5,265 4,354
J une 4,642 5,078 5,705 4,663 4,593 4,015
J uly 2,776 5,659 5,513 4,664 4,645 4,070
August 4,980 5,758 7,490 4,043 4,801 3,803
September 4,027 5,166 4,837 4,852 4,795 N/A
October 4,976 4,855 5,264 4,477 4,958 N/A
November 5,319 4,730 4,804 4,600 5,189 N/A
December 5,144 4,410 4,794 4,350 4,582 N/A

Table 27: Greek and Foreign Tourists, 1995

Area Greek (%) Foreign (%)
Parga 36 64
Rest of Prefecture of Preveza 76 24
Syvota 24 76
Rest of Prefecture of Thesprotia 63 37
Zagoria 82 18
Konitsa 88 12
Metsovo 85 15
City of Ioannina 84 16
Table 28: Average Length of Stay of Greek and Foreign Tourists, 1995

Area Greek (in days) Foreign (in days)
Parga 2.5 7
Rest of Prefecture of Preveza 2.5 4.5
Syvota 3.5 8
Rest of Prefecture of Thesprotia 1.5 1.5
Zagoria 2.5 2.5
Konitsa 2.5 1.5
Metsovo 2.5 1.5
City of Ioannina 1.5 1.5

Table 29: Hotels Operating at Full Capacity, 1995

Area % per period
Parga 45% for 6 months
Rest of Prefecture of Preveza 39% for 4 months
Syvota 64% for 4 months
Rest of Prefecture of Thesprotia 24% annually
Zagoria 21% annually
Konitsa 25% annually
Metsovo 27% annually
City of Ioannina 50% annually
5. ANALYSIS OF TOURISM PROMOTION ACTIVITIES

5.1 LOCAL PROMOTION ACTIVITIES

Organized promotional and advertising activities on a local/regional level are fairly limited. These
activities are financed by the organizations own funds (EOT, Prefecture or Municipality) and, in
certain cases, by EU or Greek government programs in which these organizations participate.

Having contacted the organizations charged with the promotion of tourism in the region, Table 30
presents a list of activities recently undertaken by each organization.

Table 30: Promotional Activities of Tourism-related Organizations (Epirus)
ORGANIZATION ACTIVITY
National Tourist Organization
(EOT)
1 brochure about the region
3 posters
Prefecture of Ioannina 1 brochure about the Prefecture
80 post cards
4 leaflets on special interest topics
1 tourist guide
12 posters
1 videotape (to be completed 4/1996)
Prefecture of Thesprotia 1 brochure about the Prefecture (30 pages)
Municipality of Ioannina 1 booklet about the Island of Ioannina
1 booklet about Dodoni Archaeological Site
Municipality of Metsovo 1 brochure about the town of Metsovo
Municipality of Konitsa 2 brochures about the town of Konitsa
3 posters
Municipality of Igoumenitsa 1 brochure about the city of Igoumenitsa (10 pages)
Municipality of Arta 1 brochure about the city of Arta (30 pages)
1 map
5 posters
Municipality of Preveza 1 brochure about the city of Preveza (30 pages)
Municipality of Parga 1 brochure about the town of Parga (30 pages)
1 poster
The previously mentioned organizations do not advertise on television or radio.

Tourists learn about local resorts through printed advertisements by resort owners and travel
agencies.

Once again, there is no official information concerning participation in international exhibitions
aimed at the promotion of tourism, however, the EGNATIA EPIRUS Foundation has
participated in several large, annual exhibitions during the past two years (Geneva, EIBTM-
Frankfurt, M&IT Show-London, Filoxenia-Thessaloniki). There was no organized presence of
organizations aimed at the promotion of tourism in the region of Epirus at any of these
exhibitions, with the exception of the Municipality of Parga, which participated in the Filoxenia
1995 exhibition.

5.2 STRUCTURE OF TOURISTIC PRODUCT PROVIDERS

Table 31 presents the number of travel agencies/tour operators by Prefecture in the region of
Epirus in 1995.

Table 31: Travel Agencies in Epirus by Prefecture, 1995

AREA NUMBER OF TRAVEL AGENCIES
Prefecture of Ioannina 23
Prefecture of Arta 6
Prefecture of Thesprotia 55
Prefecture of Preveza 32
TOTAL 116
Source: Electronic Information Network Epirus-TEL - EGNATIA EPIRUS Foundation

Most travel agencies/tour operators are small and family owned. The majority are located in
the coastal areas of the Prefectures of Thesprotia and Preveza.

5.3 PROMOTIONAL TOOLS

There is no information available from official sources regarding the promotional tools
employed by local touristic product providers.

Employees of the Foundation contacted 11 travel agencies in the region by telephone and
requested information about their promotional activities.
Almost all of the travel agencies contacted indicated that they had a very low budget for
advertising. Most advertisements were in the form of printed material (i.e. flyers or
advertisements in magazines), with some advertisements being placed on the radio and very
small number on television. Most travel agencies work with local customers wishing to travel
abroad. Those which work exclusively with incoming foreign tourists have, by far, the largest
budget for advertising.

None of the travel agencies contacted were using multimedia products or the Internet for
advertising. Very few travel agencies have computers and even fewer, if any, have
computers with a CD-ROM drive.

There is no local network of travel agencies. Very few travel agencies have standard
cooperation agreements with travel agencies abroad. There is some movement to join
international organizations aimed at the promotion of tourism (i.e. Green Globe), however,
this is clearly based on private initiative and is not supported by local or governmental
organizations.

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