The Region of Crete, within the framework of the 2025 Tourism Promotion Program, participated in the “Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Roadshow”, which took place in Toronto and Montreal on November 10 and 12, 2025, respectively. This participation is part of the Region’s strategy to strengthen Crete’s presence in the growing Canadian tourism market.
The Canadian tourism market is showing an upward trend and increased interest in travel to Greece, with our country being among the top European destinations for Canadian travelers. According to a survey in 2025, 69.5% of Canadians stated their intention to travel abroad, while arrivals in Greece increased by 12% compared to 2024.
Crete, Athens and Santorini are particularly popular, as travelers seek a combination of culture, gastronomy and high-end experiences. In the summer of 2025, direct flights from Toronto and Montreal to Athens showed high occupancy.
Canada is one of the markets with great growth prospects for Greek tourism. The Canadian market is characterized by a high average expenditure per trip and a particular preference for long-term trips, which makes it of strategic importance for Crete.
As part of the workshop, the delegation of the Region of Crete held B2B meetings with tourism professionals, presenting the cultural and gastronomic wealth of Crete, as well as the authentic hospitality experiences that the island offers. During the two events, the delegation also had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Annie Koutrakis, Member of the Parliament of Quebec, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport & Infrastructure, as well as with the Consul General of Greece in Toronto, Mr. Ioannis Chatzantonakis, and the Consul General of Greece in Montreal, Mr. Nikolaos Karalekas. Discussions were also held with the Economic and Commercial Counselor Mr. Emmanuel Markianos and the Cultural Counselor Dr. Marilena Griva.
The Region of Crete was represented by the Head of the Tourism Directorate, Nikos Alexakis, the Head of the Tourism Department of the Heraklion Regional Government, Eleni Vougioukalaki and the Head of the Tourism Department of the Lassithi Regional Government, Maria Lavdaki.
The Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism of the Region of Crete, Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, stressed: “If Europe has at least been “conquered” in terms of tourism, the American North is a market that, on the one hand, is of great interest to us and, on the other hand, will come much closer with the new Kastelli Airport and the direct flights it will attract to Canada and the USA. We continue our presence consistently, hoping and waiting for the time when we will also see the Canadian market high on the list of arrivals in Crete, Everywhere!”
