Guided by the belief that tourism should know no limits or barriers, Skiathos is taking another decisive step toward inclusivity, launching an initiative aimed at making the island more welcoming to people on the autism spectrum.

Already recognized as a model of best practice at an international conference of the World Tourism Organization on accessibility, Skiathos is now moving further ahead.

In 2024, the island began a pilot collaboration with the organization “Open Horizons,” led by psychologist Maria Iliopoulou. The group focuses on integrating individuals on the autism spectrum into the labor market, connecting businesses with people who can thrive in appropriately structured working environments.

“We have placed great emphasis on inclusion and accessibility. It is our responsibility to adapt to their needs—not the other way around,” said Skiathos Mayor Thodoris Tzoumas. He noted that the autism spectrum is broad and that many individuals are fully functional and capable of performing a wide range of jobs, provided the environment is properly organized and awareness is in place.

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As part of the initiative, training programs are being conducted for employees in both private businesses and public services. The aim is to equip staff with the skills to recognize and appropriately respond to situations involving individuals on the autism spectrum.

These efforts focus particularly on frontline workers in hotels, restaurants, banks, and supermarkets, as well as personnel in key public services such as the airport, port authority, police, and municipal police.

The program’s initial phase is expected to be completed by May, after which it will continue to expand. Alongside this, a digital map and mobile application are being developed to guide visitors, highlighting locations across Skiathos that are autism-friendly.

Skiathos is also set for a record-breaking tourism season, with its earliest-ever first flight arriving from Bristol on March 29. Around 2,800 flights will connect the island with 17 countries in 2026, with the season running through October 27.