Travel agents from Northern Greece visited Heraklion and Chania as part of an initiative by AEGEAN to promote domestic winter tourism

With the aim of creating attractive domestic winter packages and enhancing the appeal of Crete to the people of Northern Greece during winter season, the leading travel agents from Northern Greece visited Heraklion and Chania last week. This initiative was organized by AEGEAN with the support of the Region of Crete.

In meetings held in Heraklion and Chania, the agents had the chance to meet with hoteliers who operate during the winter season, explore opportunities for special group bookings (such as religious tourism, school trips, and conferences), discuss potential collaborations to promote the destination and experience Crete’s tourism offerings firsthand during this season.

Throughout the two-day fam trip, more than 500 meetings took place between travel agents, hoteliers and tourism stakeholders. Emphasis was placed on maintaining a vibrant, high-quality, and diverse experience during the winter months, as well as ensuring enough accommodation options and flights. Both AEGEAN and Crete’s hoteliers demonstrated this commitment in practice.

Additionally, the travel agents had the chance to explore the island’s history and culture, as well as to experience unique authentic activities, such as olive oil tastings, sustainable farming, local flora and fauna, and savoring traditional Cretan cuisine “from farm to table.”

Kyriakos Kotsoglou, the Vice Governor for Tourism, stated: “In October, international arrivals at Heraklion Airport increased by over 10% compared to 2023, and the same trend was seen in domestic arrivals. The trend towards reducing seasonality and establishing year-round tourism in Crete is more than just an opportunity; it is our duty. While the Region of Crete consistently supports such initiatives, the cooperation with AEGEAN has been a wonderful example of Collaborative Crete—an initiative that we must continue both within and beyond our borders with our national carrier for Crete, Everywhere!”

The representatives of AEGEAN, who accompanied the mission, added: “For 25 years now, AEGEAN has been leading efforts to establish Greece as an attractive year-round destination. Leveraging synergies to boost domestic tourism to destinations like Crete that have the infrastructure and quality product, even in winter, is essential for sustaining the viability of the tourism product and ensuring a high-quality, diverse experience throughout the year. Our common goal is to transport as many domestic and international passengers as possible, maintain more flight routes during the winter season, and, why not, even create conditions for new connections.”

The trip was an initiative of AEGEAN, supported by the Region of Crete, and took place through the cooperation of Heraklion and Chania Hotel Associations, the Cretan Tourism and Travel Agencies Association (ACCTA), the Cretan Tour Guides Association, and hotels such as Capsis Astoria Heraklion, Chania Flair Boutique Hotel, and the Chania Botanical Garden.