Tourism & Culture as Drivers of Entrepreneurship

A highly meaningful and valuable event titled “Tourism & Culture as Drivers of Entrepreneurship” was organized as part of the UniStart Hubs (the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Structures of the Region of Peloponnese and the University of the Peloponnese), in collaboration with the Association of Professionals of Ancient Corinth (SEAK) “I TRIIREIS”.

The event took place on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Anastasia Kefala Cultural Center in Ancient Corinth.

More than 50 entrepreneurs, professionals, local government representatives, organizations, and citizens with a strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation from Ancient Corinth and the wider Corinthia region participated in the event.

The actions and services of the UniStart Hubs were then presented, highlighting their role in bridging academic research with entrepreneurial activity and strengthening regional development and innovation.

Bridging Time and Space: Master Plan for the Regeneration of Ancient Corinth

In the thematic section “Bridging Time and Space: Master Plan for the Regeneration of Ancient Corinth,” the Master Plan for the revival of Ancient Corinth—as a tool for regional development—was presented by:

• Ms. Ioulia Tzonou, Associate Director of Corinth Excavations at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens

  

• Mr. Dimitris Poulios, Architect–Urban Planner of the firm Thymios Papayiannis & Associates

  

They emphasized the Master Plan’s contribution to revitalizing Ancient Corinth, connecting culture with sustainable local development, and creating the potential for visitors to stay longer in the area.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the Cultural and Tourism Sector

The second part of the event hosted a panel discussion titled “Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Cultural and Tourism Sector,” featuring:

• Athina Korka, Deputy Regional Governor for Culture, Region of Peloponnese

• Vasiliki Kremastioti, Lecturer at the University of the Peloponnese

• Spyros Marinos, professional from Ancient Corinth

• Haris Vasilakos, Head of Events, Programs & Partnerships and Co-founder of Vamvakou Revival

The panel was moderated by Dimitris Voulgaris, a member of the UniStart Hubs team.

The discussion explored how culture and tourism can function as engines of growth, which practical tools and experiences show the way forward, and how momentum can be maintained and leveraged.

Mr. Vasilakos emphasized that “innovation must permeate all pillars of local development” and highlighted the need for Ancient Corinth to develop a clear identity and operate through year-round synergies.

Ms. Korka described culture as a key element in attracting investment, stressing that the collaboration between the Region of Peloponnese and initiatives such as UniStart Hubs must remain continuous and dynamic.

Ms. Kremastioti referred to the bridging of the gap between academia and local entrepreneurship, noting the increased participation of students in initiatives such as the Business Game.

Mr. Marinos, owner of Vasilios Marinos Rooms, focused on the immediate needs of local businesses, including a unified promotional framework, a cohesive visitor experience, and reducing seasonality.