TOURISM ALIGNS WITH PEACE
The Revival of the Ancient Wonder of Colossus
A project with a Vision for Peace in the Mediterranean
The Revival of the Colossus aligns with the theme of “Tourism and Peace”
“Tourism and Peace,” emphasizes how tourism can foster understanding, cooperation, and unity among nations. The Revival of the Colossus perfectly aligns with this message by proposing a global landmark that symbolizes peace, freedom, and international friendship. As a tourist destination, the revived Colossus would not only draw visitors to the island of Rhodes but also serve as a platform for cultural exchange, fostering dialogue and collaboration between different peoples and nations. In this way, the project supports the role of tourism as a bridge for peace and mutual understanding.
The ideological concept behind the Revival of the Colossus
Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, symbolizes the island’s rich historical and cultural heritage. The revival of the Colossus is not intended to replicate the original monument but to reimagine it as a modern structure that retains the symbolic and artistic values of its predecessor. The goal is to create a contemporary global landmark that promotes universal ideals such as peace, freedom, and international friendship, while also reflecting the timeless significance of Greek cultural heritage.
The vision of the project
The Colossus, much like its ancient predecessor dedicated to the Sun God Helios, is envisioned as a global symbol of peace. Located at the crossroads of three continents in the Mediterranean, the monument will act as a beacon, conveying messages of hope, optimism, and unity to future generations.
The way the project should be implemented
To ensure the successful realization of the project, an international architectural competition will be launched to attract innovative proposals that merge artistic excellence with cutting-edge technology. An Honorary Selection Committee comprising distinguished individuals from politics, culture, science, and the arts, will oversee the process. The committee, operating under the auspices of the President of the Hellenic Republic, will ensure transparency, global recognition, and adherence to high standards of excellence.
Securing funding and resources
The project’s financial backing will rely on contributions from both municipal and international organizations, such as the European Commission and UNESCO. In addition, prominent figures from Greece and abroad, including members of the Greek diaspora and philhellenes, will be instrumental in launching and leading an international fundraising campaign to secure necessary resources.
Commercialization should be and could be avoided
To preserve the cultural and symbolic integrity of the Colossus, any form of commercialization will be strictly avoided. Revenues generated from the project will be reinvested into promoting Greek cultural heritage and advancing the cause of global peace. This will be achieved through the establishment of a thematic museum dedicated to the Colossus and an International Center for Peace, which will include state-of-the-art facilities such as a conference center, exhibition spaces, and an auditorium for global meetings and events.
Relevant successful examples of similar projects
Relevant projects that have successfully enhanced the cultural and economic stature of their host cities include:
- The New Library of Alexandria, Egypt
- The Sydney Opera House, Australia
- The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain
- The New Acropolis Museum, Athens, Greece
These projects demonstrate how cultural landmarks can become catalysts for both local development and international recognition.
Young scientists and researchers could be engaged
A portion of the project’s revenues will be dedicated to establishing an Archaeological Research Center and an Academic Chair for the study of the Colossus. This initiative will support ongoing research into the monument’s history and contribute to new archaeological discoveries, ensuring that future generations of scientists and researchers remain actively engaged in the project.
The ultimate challenge and long-term benefit for Rhodes
The primary challenge is to position Rhodes as the “Neutral Island of Peace” in the Mediterranean, fostering global dialogue and collaboration. The successful realization of this project will bring long-term cultural and socio-economic benefits, positioning Rhodes as a center for international cooperation. It will also enhance the island’s role in promoting peace, especially in times of crisis and instability.
George Barboutis
George Barboutis is a Strategic Marketing & Management expert who has devoted 25 years to leading the Revival of the Colossus project. (Colossusproject.org).
As Founding Member and Project Leader of EPOT – Tourism Think Tank he drives initiatives to promote Greek cultural heritage worldwide. (Epot.gr)
