Crete’s tourism industry is undergoing a significant transformation as the traditional summer season extends well into late autumn, driven by climate change and strong demand from international markets.
German tour operator alltours has announced an expansion of its flight program to Crete and Rhodes through November 24, responding to increased bookings during the shoulder season. Direct flights will continue from major German cities including Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and Munich, operated by both Condor and AEGEAN airlines.
“Crete and Rhodes offer a summery climate even in autumn, with temperatures exceeding 20 degrees Celsius and ideal conditions for visiting the impressive archaeological sites,” alltours stated in their recent announcement.
The extension is already showing positive results across the island. In Rethymnon, four to five resort hotels beyond the usual year-round city establishments will remain operational until the end of November, responding to British tour operators’ interest in shifting their flight schedules to the season’s edges.
Nikos Chalkiadakis, president of the Heraklion Hotel Association, reports that several resorts in the Heraklion area will continue hosting guests until year’s end. This extension is supported by major travel companies, including TUI and alltours, who have committed to maintaining flight schedules through late November.
The strategy appears to be paying off, with significant increases in international arrivals already recorded. Heraklion Airport has seen 3.4 million arrivals, marking a 6.1% increase, while Chania Airport has registered 1.4 million arrivals, up by 7.6%.
This shift in the tourism calendar is largely attributed to climate change effects, which have created more favorable weather conditions during traditionally shoulder seasons. The extended season not only benefits tourists with pleasant autumn temperatures but also helps distribute visitor numbers more evenly throughout the year.
While this development presents new opportunities for the island’s tourism sector, industry experts advise measured expectations regarding revenue compared to the record-breaking year of 2019. The primary beneficiaries of this increased activity are reported to be state and municipal authorities.
The successful extension of the tourist season could set a new precedent for Mediterranean destinations adapting to changing climate patterns and evolving travel preferences.
Published on: November 8th, 2024
Thank you Bella I love this page.
We have been going to Crete for 25 years such a beautiful place.
Hersonissos is our second home.
On hearing this news it is good for the tourism but I feel for the olive farmers as they need some rain for their harvests
Hi Tom, thank you so much for your kind words and for being a loyal reader! It’s heartwarming to hear that Crete has been your second home for so many years. I completely understand your concern for the farmers and the challenges they face due to the lack of rain. It’s forecasted that there will be some rain over the next few days, although it may not be the substantial rainfall that farmers are hoping for.
Να ’σαι καλά! (Na se kala; be well),
Bella