The Greek island of Corfu, a perennial favorite among Israeli holidaymakers for its turquoise waters, sunny weather and rich heritage, announced that it would shift its focus toward wealthier tourists while investing heavily in luxury accommodation, Walla reported on Tuesday.
The local tourism authority said the strategy aimed to secure “high-quality, sustainable tourism” by reducing overall visitor numbers without cutting revenue. In 2024 alone, inbound tourism to Corfu rose by 7 percent to almost two million visitors, while international flights to the island increased by 32 percent and ferry arrivals by 31 percent compared with 2019.
More money for local economy
Although Corfu remains an iconic stop for cruise ships – many passengers disembark for day trips but sleep and dine on board – officials now prefer travelers who stay on the island and “put more money into the local economy,” the outlet added. One well-known landmark, Mouse Island (Pontikonisi), will continue to symbolize Corfu’s global appeal, but future promotion will highlight upscale resorts and boutique hotels rather than mass-market packages.
At present, about three-quarters of Corfu’s tourists come from the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Poland and France. Under the new plan, the island hopes to attract affluent vacationers “from every corner of the world” who are seeking exclusive beach escapes and unique cultural experiences. (For many Israelis, Corfu’s blend of Greek, Venetian and British influences has long made it a convenient alternative to farther-flung destinations such as Thailand.)
Encouraging longer on-shore stays
Travel agencies and hospitality investors have already begun channeling funds into five-star hotels and high-end resorts, reinforcing Corfu’s move away from so-called “overtourism” and toward a clientele with deeper pockets, Walla noted.
Tourism officials did not specify a target date for completing the transition, but they said the island would continue to welcome cruise traffic while encouraging longer on-shore stays.
For popular Mediterranean islands facing congestion and environmental strain, Corfu’s model offers one path to balancing economic growth with sustainability. Greek tourism analysts told The Jerusalem Post that other destinations in the Ionian Sea may watch closely to see whether fewer – but richer – guests can indeed keep local businesses thriving without overwhelming infrastructure.