Astypaela – the first Greek island free from tobacco and cigarettes

The campaign will rely on the good will of residents

The island of Astypaela, in the Dodecanese, aims to become the first Greek island that is smoke-free. In Greece, smoking is widespread, but the local authority announced plans to run the campaign of Astypalea without cigarettes with the help of an unlikely partner: The Papastratos tobacco company, a subsidiary of Philip Morris, that has redesigned its global strategy and set up a goal to replace cigarettes with smoke-free products.

According to Panormitis Kontaratos, mayor of Astypaela - the campaign will not involve other authorities such as police, but it will rely on the good will of residents and tourists alike. The mayor insists that the island will not become hostile to smokers. Smokers are not unwelcome on the island, but we hope that if they stay in a smoke-free place and receive the appropriate stimuli, it may become the starting point of trying to get rid of the habit.

Source: Greek reporter