The first Cultural Tourism Symposium will take place in Heraklion on December 16, 2025, at the Karelli Hall at 7:30 pm. The Symposium aims to highlight the importance of storytelling as a cultural experience, encourage collaborations between tourism and culture, and examine the new European policy around culture-based tourism.
The event is co-organized by the Region of Crete and is under the auspices and support of:
Pan-Cretan Association of Hotel Managers
Hellenic Association of Women in Culture and Tourism
Heraklion Hoteliers Association
“Filoxenia” Experience Crete
Association of Guides of Crete–Santorini
UNESCO Club of Piraeus & Islands
International Action Art
K.A.
Supported by the Deputy Mayor of Volunteering of the Municipality of Heraklion
Students from the Mediterranean University will also participate in the event.
1st Cultural Tourism Symposium – Introductory Theme: “Exploring the Future of Cultural Tourism in Greece”
The Symposium aims to:
- Highlight Crete as a place where the concept of filoxenia (hospitality) gains cultural and experiential meaning.
- Encourage cooperation between hotel organizations, creators, and local cultural institutions so that Crete becomes a model for implementing the new culture-based tourism approach.
- Discuss new European directions for promoting cultural tourism (as shaped by the EU and the European Travel Commission), prioritizing authentic experiences, local identity, and sustainable development.
Program Highlights
Premiere of the musical-theatrical storytelling performance: Greek Spirit Stories: Who is the Hero?
A short story inspired by mythological wisdom, connected directly to modern life. (Performed with ascomandura, flute, percussion, guitar, synthesizer, and one narrator. The piece is in English with subtitles.)
Script/Storytelling: Nia Foes
Panel Discussion with distinguished speakers from the fields of culture, tourism, and entrepreneurship. (Speakers to be announced later)
Free Admission
Organization: NIA8
Production: make music memories, praxis
