Former refugee island woos back tourists

The Greek island of Lesbos, a major entry point for Europe-bound refugees and immigrants since 2015, has experienced a great decline in tourist arrivals.

Local agents blame what they call irresponsible media reports for the decline whilst striving to provide better services for potential tourists. Several thousand refugees still remain on the island.

Since early 2015, the bulk of the more than 1 million Europe-bound refugees and immigrants passed through the Greek island which counts 85,000 residents. The influx substantially reduced in spring following the European Union's migrant agreement with Turkey, but the crisis still affects the local tourism industry.

According to Mytilene airport management, the number of European passengers at the airport of Lesbos in July 2016 was 6,841, which is 62.77 percent lower than the same month of 2015. The decline was even sharper in June, when the island received 4,825 European tourists, representing a reduction of 67.89 percent.

Overall, in the four months of this year's tourist season (April to July) only 16,745 tourists arrived on Lesvos, which is 64.73 percent lower than last year's 47,479 arrivals.

Spyros Galinos, the mayor of Lesbos, told Xinhua that the municipality is promoting tourism on the island via video programs while dozens of concerts, theatrical performances and exhibitions are being held all over the island "for our guests."

"The municipality of Lesvos continues steadily to highlight the island's tourist product, support the local economy by all available means," said Galinos.

Local police said only 3,645 refugees and immigrants remain at Lesbos, most of them in organized camps.

Lesbos chamber president Vangelis Mirsinias said the refugee wave has not affected the tourism quality of the island at all.

"Lesbos is very neat and clean, and beaches have been cleaned. Tourists can visit our amazing museums and experience the quality of Lesbian gastronomy," Mirsinias said.

"The image that prevails around the world that Lesbos suffers from exceptional immigrant situations does not reflect today's reality," he added.

Nikos Molvalis, the president of Molyvos guide - a local institution promoting tourism - said he feels upset about some media's coverage of the island.

"We cannot understand why some media insist on showing Lesbos differently. The beaches are pristine and dozens of volunteering actions have been done to clean our shores," said Molvalis.

He said the northern resort town of Molyvos is hosting two large international music festivals, while tourists can also enjoy activities such as hiking trails, spas water sports and diving.

Panagiota Teloniati from the southwestern village of Eresos said: "Here, we have seen refugees only on television," adding his town was worth a visit "for the wonderful beach, delicious food and entertainment."