The president of the Heraklion Hoteliers Association, Nikos Chalkiadakis, expresses his strong opposition to the prospect of creating a migrant accommodation facility in Crete through Tornos News, sounding the alarm for the tourism industry, which certainly does not favor the image of their flagship Greek tourism, as he explains.
“The settlement of migrants in Crete does not help the tourism industry in any way. On the contrary, it creates conditions of insecurity and uncertainty. Even if a facility is created, it is clear that these people will move uncontrollably around the island, causing concern both in the local community and in our visitors,” Mr. Chalkiadakis emphasizes.
As he points out, the integration of immigrants into the economic activity of Crete, although ideally it could have a positive effect, is currently impossible. However, he believes that such a thing could always be examined with due attention.
According to the president of Heraklion, hoteliers are taking a wait-and-see approach, carefully monitoring developments. However, they express the hope that the government will soon give clear answers and put a stop to plans that are in complete contrast to the tourist profile of Crete.
“It is characteristic that, despite the good weather conditions of recent days, no boat with immigrants has approached Crete,” notes Mr. Chalkiadakis, suggesting that the strict line of the State may have acted as a deterrent: “Perhaps they received the message that Crete is not and should not be turned into a gateway.”
Intervention of bodies: Letter to the Prime Minister
It is recalled that all tourism bodies in Crete sent a letter to the Prime Minister and the relevant ministers, in which they request immediate action to prevent the creation of migrant structures on the island, highlighting the risk of undermining the main pillar of the local economy: tourism.
Their letter makes three key demands:
Immediate decongestion of Crete, by transferring migrants to organized structures on mainland Greece.
Permanent suspension of any plan to create a new structure, closed or open, in Crete.
Strengthening the guarding of the sea borders, in order to prevent further burdening the island with new arrivals.
“We all have a duty – State and local society – to protect tourism, the environment, and social cohesion of Crete,” the organizations emphasize, calling on the State to reconsider its choices with the sole aim of the interests of the place and the national economy.
