In a strategic move to boost off-season tourism, AEGEAN Airlines has orchestrated a comprehensive initiative bringing together key travel agents from Northern Greece with local tourism stakeholders in Crete. The program, focused on developing winter travel packages, has already shown promising results with Heraklion Airport reporting a more than 10% increase in international arrivals this October compared to 2023.
The initiative centered around a two-day familiarization trip that facilitated over 500 meetings between Northern Greek travel agents, local hoteliers, and tourism industry representatives in both Heraklion and Chania. These meetings explored various opportunities for winter tourism in Crete, including religious tourism, educational trips, and conference hosting.
“The trend towards reducing seasonality and establishing year-round tourism in Crete is more than just an opportunity; it is our duty,” stated Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Vice Governor for Tourism. He noted that the positive growth in both international and domestic arrivals at Heraklion Airport in October signals a promising shift toward year-round tourism.
AEGEAN representatives emphasized their long-standing commitment to promoting Greece as a year-round destination: “For 25 years now, AEGEAN has been leading efforts to establish Greece as an attractive year-round destination. Leveraging synergies to boost domestic tourism to destinations like Crete that have the infrastructure and quality product, even in winter, is essential.”
The visiting travel agents were treated to an immersive experience of Crete’s winter offerings, participating in authentic activities such as olive oil tastings and sustainable farming demonstrations. They also explored the island’s rich cultural heritage and sampled traditional farm-to-table Cretan cuisine.
The initiative was made possible through collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including the Region of Crete, the Hotel Associations of Heraklion and Chania, the Association of Cretan Tourism and Travel Agencies (ACCTA), and the Cretan Tour Guides Association. Notable local establishments, including Capsis Astoria Heraklion, Chania Flair Boutique Hotel, and the Chania Botanical Garden, also supported the program.
This coordinated effort aims to maintain more flight routes during the winter season and potentially create opportunities for new connections, ultimately working toward establishing Crete as a premier year-round destination in the Mediterranean.
Published on: November 13th, 2024
