Through a targeted familiarization trip that combines education, experience and professional networking, seven selected British tour operators experienced (October 20-23, 2025) the unique experiences that sustainable Crete can offer throughout the year.
The visit of tour operators and representatives of the Greek National Tourist Organization and EasyJet to the archaeological site of Knossos.
The trip was implemented by the Greek National Tourist Organization Service of the United Kingdom and Ireland as Destination Partner of the communication action of the popular professional magazine TTG – Sustainable Travel Heroes https://www.ttgmedia.com/ttg-sustainable-travel-heroes, in collaboration with the Tour Operator Easy Jet Holidays and with the support of the Region of Crete.
The aim is to promote Crete as a sustainable four-season destination, with an emphasis on off-peak tourist demand (shoulder season). The group of travel agents from Travel Counsellors, Travel Village Group, Not Just Travel & Escape the Ordinary was accompanied by Ms. Charlotte Cullinan, a journalist for the professional magazine TTG Media, with the aim of collecting material for the publication of extensive articles on Crete and sustainable actions, which will be addressed to 18,000 subscribers. The visit was coordinated and accompanied by the Deputy Head of the Greek National Tourism Organisation Office in the UK and Ireland, Ms. Angela Tzifa.
The participating professionals attended a sustainability training program, acquiring the title “Sustainable Ambassador”, thus strengthening their role as ambassadors of responsible and environmentally conscious travel practices.
Presentation of the experiential program “The Mythology of the Universe: A Stargazing Experience”, under the guidance of local astrophysicists.
The participants were hosted at the certified Cook’s Club Hersonissos accommodation, while the program included a series of authentic experiences that incorporate the principles of sustainability, cultural identity and strengthening the local community, such as:
The experiential program that is part of the new trend of night tourism “The Mythology of the Universe: A Stargazing Experience”, under the guidance of local astrophysicists, aiming to highlight the importance of the “dark sky” and environmental awareness.
The experiential experience “The Carob Route” dedicated to the “black gold” of Crete, with a guided tour of the Carob Mill, tasting of local products based on carobs.
NB: The two above actions focus on connecting the local community with sustainable tourism development and are supported by Planeterra, an international non-profit organization that supports local communities worldwide, strengthening sustainable and responsible tourism.
Visit to Grecotel’s organic farm Agreco Farm, where the “Become a farmer for a day” experience captures the principles of local production, nature protection and circular economy in the spirit of sustainability and the farme-?-table concept.
Guided tour of the Minoan Palace Center of Knossos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2025) with an emphasis on sustainable management of cultural sites and the protection of heritage against the impacts of climate change.
Visit to Titakis Winery, a local third-generation family business with a strong commitment to sustainability, indigenous varieties and innovation where participants experienced the “Fabrika Wine Experience”, which included a presentation of wine production, a Minoan wine press and wine tasting.
TTG Media social media post about the visit to the organic farm Agreco Farm.
The trip is part of the Greek National Tourist Organization’s strategy to extend the tourist season and aims to highlight authentic and personalized experiences with a positive social and environmental impact, as well as to promote Crete as a model of sustainable development that combines culture, gastronomy and local entrepreneurship.
With the participation of professionals from the UK tourism market, the TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors program strengthens our country as a destination that transforms sustainability into a competitive advantage and a cultural narrative with international reach.
