With a focus on infrastructure, sustainability and the institutional strengthening of the destination, the Municipality of Hersonissos is rolling out its strategic tourism plan, as presented at the meeting of the Tourism Committee by Mayor Zacharias Doxastakis.
It should be noted that the mayor placed at the center the critical challenges shaping the new environment for the destination, giving clear emphasis to access and mobility infrastructure. As he pointed out, the need for a fixed-track transport system connecting the new international airport with the Municipality of Hersonissos, Heraklion and other areas of the regional unit constitutes a strategic priority. At the same time, he highlighted the serious deficit created by the absence of a connection with the eastern section of the VOAK (Northern Road Axis of Crete), both in terms of functionality and the quality of the tourism experience. As he stressed, the municipality is closely monitoring developments and submitting well-documented positions so that new infrastructure meets the real needs of the destination.
At the same time, Mr. Doxastakis informed participants about his forthcoming meeting with the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, during which the municipalitys priorities will be presented, with the central objective being the certification of the Municipality of Hersonissos as a sustainable tourism destination. As he recalled, the minister has already received comprehensive proposals, as well as the municipalitys DMO plan, which outlines the strategic management and promotion of the destination based on international standards and modern requirements, enhancing competitiveness and diversification of the tourism product.
Particular emphasis was also placed on the results of the pilot solid waste management program implemented in 2025 by hotel units of the company ReHoreca. In this context, the mayor stated that a total of 900 tons of organic waste were collected, of which only 33% ended up in landfill, whereas for the rest of the waste collected by the municipality the corresponding figure reaches 90%. As he underlined, this performance demonstrates the effectiveness of the new model and constitutes a real achievement given the conditions of the area. At the same time, he referred to developments regarding the resilience fee and the institutional initiatives underway, noting that, based on Law 5151/2024, a special committee has been established at the Ministry of Environment, in which he participates as a representative of local government.
On the other side of the strategic discussion, particular reference was also made to road infrastructure interventions. As announced, two studies are underway for the old national road (E90), commissioned by the Region of Crete. The first concerns the section from the Gournes junction to the entrance of Hersonissos and is at a more advanced stage, providing for the construction of nine at-grade junctions. The second covers the section from the Belvedere Hotel to the Malia junction. As the mayor pointed out, it is a commitment by the Regional Governor that within the winter three important traffic interventions will proceed, with the construction of temporary at-grade junctions at Analipsi, Lyttos and the entrance to the port of Hersonissos.
