WTM 2015: Crete Ready for New Season, Set to Launch Info Site for Tourists

By Maria Paravantes

Crete’s Commissioner of Tourism, Michalis Vamiedakis.

Promoting alternative and adventure tourism and at the same time bringing the celebrated Cretan hospitality to the frontline of its tourism strategy for 2016, the Region of Crete is moving full speed ahead to prepare for the new season, its Commissioner of Tourism, Michalis Vamiedakis, told the GTP during the World Travel Market (WTM) on Monday.

“We’re primarily focused on bringing to the fore the island’s different side, beyond the conventional, to extend the tourism season, because we are aware that this will increase the number of visitors, and of course place emphasis on the human side of Cretan hospitality because this is our winning  card and what sets us apart at the end of the day,” Mr Vamiedakis said.

Crete has been and continues to be one of Greece’s leading destinations, primarily winning over German, French and British tourists.

“International tour operators are telling us that their customers want to know more about events taking place all year round on the island but also about different activities and alternatives on offer,” he added.

“So we’re ready to launch our new site that will aim to keep travelers updated on what’s going on where on Crete all year round.”

The Region of Crete is aiming through its participation in the WTM this year to build even stronger ties with existing partners and at the same time find new friends.

“We are firm believers in the positive results of events like the WTM, but we also believe that what plays a more vital role is what happens before and after these events… through talk with sector professionals we learn how to improve our performance.

Crete wouldn’t be Crete without its gastronomy, and Mr Vamiedakis stressed that a major part of its tourism strategy is based on the island’s culinary wealth. Paraphrasing the popular phrase, he put it aptly: “The heart of tourism is through the stomach… that is why during all of our promotional activities abroad we feature Cretan cuisine,” he added with a smile.

GTP is an official media partner of WTM London 2015.