‘Cultural Routes’ 2020 Forum a Huge Success for Chania, Kountoura Says

Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura during the press conference on the “Cultural Routes” advisory forum, which will be held in Chania, Crete. Photo Source: @Elena Kountoura

Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura met with sector professionals in the town of Chania this week on occasion of the announcement that the Cretan city will host the 10th annual advisory forum “Cultural Routes” of the Council of Europe in 2020.

Photo Source: @Kipos Cafe

Attending the press conference on the event at the historic “Kipos Cafe”, Kountoura expressed her full support for the dynamic promotion of the event, which she said was “a huge success for Chania, Crete and all of Greece”.

On her visit to Chania, the minister also met with the city’s mayor, Tassos Vamvoukas, who informed her of the latest developments in the municipal authority’s promotional strategy, asking for the ministry’s assistance towards the implementation of a program that will make use of abandoned venues.

Kountoura, Vamvoukas and European Historic Cafes Association (EHICA) founder and president Vasilis Stathakis also spoke about the significance of the “Cultural Routes” forum, which is organized by EHICA, with the participation of the culture ministry, the Region of Crete, and the Chania Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Chania, Crete © pixabay

The international event will host some 350 participants from the areas of culture, tourism and sustainable development from over 60 countries.

In view of the event, the Chania Chamber will set up a Cultural Committee consisting of entrepreneurs, cultural figures and representatives of organizations which will work to promote cultural heritage, link business with culture, and create the conditions for Chania to become established as a capital city of culture.

Vying for the event, Chania launched a promotional video which highlights Cretan hospitality and culture.

The Chamber in collaboration with the municipality and local bodies will also draw up a “Map of Local Products” which will feature certified sales points. 

 The minister also met with the president of the Chamber, Antonis Rokakis.