The Region of Crete is a self-governing authority in Greece dedicated to promoting tourism across the island. We speak with Vice Governor, Dr Kyriakos Kotsoglou, who shares valuable insights about why Crete is a top destination amongst the Greek islands.
Firstly, can you talk us through the origins of the Region of Crete and its initial vision and mission?
Dr Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Vice Governor for Tourism (DKK): Crete is the cradle of Western European civilisation, home to the pioneering Minoan civilisation. Gracefully situated in the Eastern Mediterranean at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Crete has been the arena of many different civilisations throughout history, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Saracenic, Ottoman, and Venetian.
This rich history has ingrained hospitality into Cretan DNA. Not coincidentally, Crete was the homeland of Zeus and, amongst others, the protector of visitors.
Travellers from the 18th and 19th centuries described the island’s hospitality as remarkable, as families of the village or community would gather food, always six or seven kinds, to offer to their guests as a token of gratitude. Besides fruit, meals included various meats, poultry, game, or fish cooked and served in diverse dishes, with families often depriving themselves to provide the best for their guests.
Such celebrations allowed Cretans to showcase their products to visitors and, at the same time, express their deep pride. These ‘symposiums’ are rooted in a profound tradition of hospitality, unlike anything found in Western standards.
This is our origin, and our vision is for Crete to remain an authentic haven of hospitality. Our mission is for visitors to become immersed in golden pages of experiences and hospitality that transcend a mere stay, providing a timeless experience.
Why should anyone visit Crete, and what type of travellers does it appeal to? How does it differ from other Greek islands?
DKK: The difference between Crete and the other wonderful islands of the Aegean or the Mediterranean is its incredible diversity. From the celebrity of the 5-star north to the alternative of the hippie south and alpine skiing in the mountains, Crete is a model of diversity that enchants every visitor.
Why is Crete a must-see destination? A common question, yet the answer is simple – it offers a unique blend of three distinct personalities. The north boasts a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a thriving hotel industry, including 30 percent of Greece’s 5-star hotels. However, it also caters to all budgets, offering a wide range of accommodation options.
The charming south, meanwhile, exudes a lovely, alternative vibe filled with stories, hidden paths, and stunning beaches where the sunset and the sea seamlessly merge and the island’s interior reveals a wealth of surprises, from picturesque villages to unspoiled mountains, trails, caves, and waterfalls.
“We are committed to promoting renewable energy sources without compromising the visitor experience. Additionally, we strive to achieve complete recycling, improve our infrastructure, and encourage alternative forms of tourism”
Dr Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Vice Governor for Tourism, Region of Crete
How is Crete embracing sustainable or environmentally-friendly travel experiences?
DKK: This is a universal question that travellers ask about destinations around the world.
Crete’s unique appeal lies in its incredible diversity. The island’s size allows for moments of solitude, whether seeking a secluded beach, a peaceful hike, or a breathtaking view undisturbed by crowds. However, several world-renowned areas, primarily beaches and attractions, contribute significantly to Crete’s reputation and attract substantial tourist traffic.
Notable examples include the renowned beaches of Balos, Falasarna, Elafonissos, and Preveli in Western Crete and Hersonissos, Malia, and Vai to the east of the island. Additionally, our picturesque Venetian ports are major attractions. We are committed to preserving the authenticity of these destinations and ensuring that travellers who honour us with their presence have a truly enriching experience.
We are committed to promoting renewable energy sources without compromising the visitor experience. Additionally, we strive to achieve complete recycling, improve our infrastructure, and encourage alternative forms of tourism.
From the iconic Samaria Gorge to the stunning Richtis Waterfall in Sitia, Crete offers amazing trails, majestic mountains, and a wealth of natural wonders where sustainability and environmental protection are synonymous with nature, and people respect that.
How do you market the island as a destination? What strategies do you employ to promote the off-peak season?
DKK: We’re actively participating in Outlook Travel Magazine and encouraging local businesses and organisations to join us, which is a great opportunity.
Furthermore, our extensive tourism promotion programme includes participation in numerous international travel exhibitions, workshops, and roadshows – totalling over 40 events annually. We also host a significant number of journalists, travel agents, social media influencers, YouTubers, TikTokers, tourism influencers, and tourism thought leaders. Our publications are renowned, and we maintain strong partnerships with airlines.
Crete’s global fame is undeniable. Even without extensive marketing efforts, from local publications to renowned international channels like National Geographic, Crete is widely recognised as one of the most famous islands in the world – Crete is everywhere!
Often referred to as ‘The Little Continent’, Crete bestows countless reason to visit, but four key pillars stand out: our unsurpassed nature, gastronomy, culture, and heartfelt hospitality.
Crete offers a year-round experience, with something to discover every month. We promote this concept as ‘12 Reasons – Months to Love Crete’. However, Crete is an island, and airlines must support our tourism efforts. We’re waiting for you, and we invite you to discover the beauty of Crete during the off-season when nature flourishes, culture thrives, cuisine is at its peak, and hospitality is personalised.
“Often referred to as ‘The Little Continent’, Crete bestows countless reason to visit, but four key pillars stand out: our unsurpassed nature, gastronomy, culture, and heartfelt hospitality”
Dr Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Vice Governor for Tourism, Region of Crete
Are there any interesting or exciting projects you would like to highlight?
DKK: Unlike many other destinations around the world, where landmarks, often referred to as monuments or toponyms, are primarily man-made structures like Big Ben, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Colosseum, Crete’s most iconic features are its stunning natural formations, which require careful preservation to ensure their enduring beauty.
Crete’s infrastructure requires modernisation and improvement. Kastelli International Airport, expected to be operational by early 2027, will address the limitations experienced at existing airports. Additionally, completion of the new Northern Motorway will enhance transportation and safety.
We are also committed to implementing biological cleaning at our marinas and ensuring equal accessibility for individuals with disabilities. These initiatives are part of our comprehensive plan to modernise Crete’s infrastructure and create a holistic and welcoming location.
What trends are transforming the tourism industry on the island, and how are you utilising them?
DKK: Today’s travellers are seeking more than just a place to stay; they crave immersive experiences that align with sustainable practices and digital advancements, which are key trends shaping the future of tourism.
In response, Crete has strategically linked its UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the White Mountains and Samaria Gorge, Psiloritis Natural Park, Asterousia Mountains, and Sitia Geopark. We believe that visitors are now ready to embrace the beauty and diversity of Cretan nature fully, enjoy hiking the E4 European long-distance path, and truly immerse themselves in every experience.
Furthermore, in the developed areas in the north of the island, we are working with businesses to implement eco-friendly practices and combat greenwashing – a negative trend in the tourism industry that, unfortunately, has gained traction.
The green transition and digital transformation are crucial for Crete’s sustainable tourism journey, which will preserve the island’s authenticity and allow visitors to “Sense the Authentic”, as highlighted in our global campaign. Join us on our digital transformation journey by visiting www.incrediblecrete.gr and exploring Crete’s diverse experiences.
What challenges does the tourism industry in Crete face, and how do you navigate them?
DKK: Crete, as an island and a region, is fortunate to see its visitor numbers grow annually. It does not show signs of overtourism, however, our concern is to ensure it never does. Crete needs to strike the right balance between developing its infrastructure and preserving the unique qualities that make it a popular destination.
On the other hand, it’s essential for Crete to verify the sustainability of its natural resources, and we have comprehensive plans in place to manage water resources effectively and avoid shortages. However, challenges related to infrastructure, such as drains, sidewalks, and public spaces, need to be addressed, especially in the context of climate change, which we believe can be viewed as an opportunity to revitalise tourism during the shoulder months, for it is then that Crete is truly exciting, sustainable, and authentic.
What is the Region of Crete’s current goals and key priorities for the coming year?
DKK: The COVID-19 pandemic made us wonder whether Crete is truly an incredible destination or a marketing product. In 2020, arrivals dropped to 27 percent below pre-pandemic levels. However, Crete’s performance was remarkably resilient compared to other destinations that experienced near-total declines.
In 2021, Crete recovered 75 percent of its 2019 visitor numbers, demonstrating the significance of its diverse tourism offerings and capacity to accommodate visitors in inland areas. This success was evident in articles praising Crete with the title ‘Quarantine in Paradise’.
Since then, Crete has witnessed a steady increase in arrivals, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 6.5 percent in 2022 and maintaining a growth rate of six to seven percent annually. While global inflation poses challenges, Crete’s tourism industry is poised for further growth, supported by Kastelli International Airport and the Northern Motorway. However, our top priority is to manage the increase in visitors sustainably.
Our goal to maintain Crete’s reputation as a popular destination and establish a reputation for our commitment to authenticity.
Are you optimistic about the future of tourism in Crete? How do you see it developing in the years ahead?
DKK: We have unwavering optimism regarding tourism in Crete – we wouldn’t be in this position if we didn’t. The consistent increase in arrivals fuels our positivity, and we are committed to preserving the unique qualities that make Crete famous, faster, farther, and stronger – “citius, altius, fortius”.
To maintain our success, we must always view things from the perspective of our visitors, not solely from our own. This is the biggest secret to establish successful hospitality and service in general, and in Crete, we know this very well.
Reaching the top is challenging, but staying there requires even greater effort without negatively impacting the visitor experience and the quality of life for our residents.
Sustainable tourism is not only about the visitor and their vacation, but also the harmonious symbiosis between visitors and locals regarding equality and a considerate relationship between host and visitor, as is now the case in Crete. Otherwise, it’s your paradise, my misery!
