Thirteen points for improving Crete’s image and tourism experience were presented by the Crete Hoteliers’ Association to Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis. The Board of Directors of the Association held a formal meeting with the Governor today, during which they delivered a memorandum.
In it, they highlight issues that require priority attention, while also expressing their gratitude for the Region’s efforts in tourism development.
7 proposals to strengthen Crete’s tourism promotion
The first issue concerns tourism promotion, for which the Association makes the following proposals, aiming to maintain and enhance the island’s position in the international competitive environment:
- Increase the annual budget for tourism promotion and link it with the economic and social benefits generated by tourism.
- Ensure an independent and strong presence at the two largest tourism fairs, London and Berlin, equal to that of competing destinations.
- Attract new tourism markets.
- Develop and promote thematic tourism, with the goal of extending the tourism season.
- Use new digital tools and promotion channels (social media, online platforms, influencers, digital campaigns, etc.).
- Establish a Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO).
- Restore the tourism image of Lasithi after the major wildfires in the south of the prefecture (a relevant proposal has already been submitted to Deputy Regional Governor I. Androulakis).
Infrastructure issues affecting Crete’s image
The Association also requests continuous interventions by the Region, within its competence, in infrastructure matters that directly affect the island’s image for visitors.
Airports of Souda and Heraklion
For the Souda Airport road network, they propose:
- Lighting (possibly solar-powered lamps), since much of the downhill section from the junction to the military camp is unlit.
- Reflectors in the middle lane, to help drivers and prevent overtaking on the narrow, unlit road.
- Construction of concrete curbs where needed for safety.
For Heraklion Airport, they request the Region’s financial support for:
Renovation of toilets.
Cleaning of external drains to prevent future flooding.
A traffic study to create a roundabout at the main entrance (Senetaki Avenue).
Installation of traffic lights at the arrivals exit.
Healthcare
The Association notes that hospitals and health centers in Crete are understaffed and under-equipped. Health security is a key factor in choosing a destination, especially for large international events such as conferences.
Wastewater treatment and sustainable tourism
They call for the completion of works on the sewage treatment plants of Gerani, Georgioupolis, Almyrida, Chora Sfakion, and Agia Roumeli.
Ports
They request the completion of procedures for the ports of Chora Sfakion, Agia Roumeli, Kissamos, Kolymvari, and Rethymno.
Road network and BOAK (Northern Highway of Crete)
They stress the need to redesign the Souda junction, where five different roads converge (from Chania Airport, Souda port, BOAK, Souda Avenue, and a municipal road). Traffic accidents are frequent, and they propose either traffic lights, a roundabout, or a combination.
For the new BOAK, they propose creating a junction or half-junction at Agia Marina and ensuring no tolls are imposed from Souda to Platanias, to avoid heavy congestion on the old national road.
City bypasses and regional roads
Kastelli bypass: urgent need due to severe congestion, worsened by new tourism investments.
Rethymno bypass: creation of a modern parallel road to BOAK, from Amari junction to Agios Vasileios (Tympaki), to relieve traffic. They emphasize its importance for Civil Protection, citing the 2019 forest fire near the city that caused panic.
Water scarcity
The Association stresses the seriousness of water scarcity. They note that the state’s plan to abolish local water utilities (DEYA) by 2027 and replace them with a single service for all Crete could harm local responsiveness and water distribution.
They propose:
A study for central desalination plants to meet drinking water needs, as used extensively in Cyprus, Israel, and the Middle East.
Construction of small dams where river conditions allow.
Migration
They insist that measures must be taken to address migration and oppose a permanent migrant facility in Crete.
Short-term rentals
They call for restrictions on short-term rentals (Airbnb, etc.) similar to those already in place in some neighborhoods of Athens, to also apply to Crete’s tourist areas.
VAT
They request that the 30% reduced VAT rate, which applies to Kos and other islands, also be applied to Crete.
