Region of Crete tourist promoters who visited Mumbai for a series of seminars consider India an important market and see immense potential in the country. “We believe that India has more potential than China. India has majority of younger population. Indian tourists are looking at experiences out of the ordinary,” said Michalis Vamiedakis, Commissioner of Tourism for the Region of Crete on the sidelines of a seminar to promote Crete to Indian travel companies in Mumbai.
The region also plans to promote Crete as a destination extensively in India next year by organising roadshows. “We have started with Mumbai as it is the largest market in the country,” Mr Vamiedakis said. Crete welcomes approximately 15% of international tourism to Greece and has witnessed 40% increase in international tourist arrivals in past 4 years. “Crete can be part of a longer tour or a stand-alone destination. We are trying to balance between the traditional and new markets,” Vamiedakis added.
Talking about profile of tourists, the Commissioner said “Crete has the potential to meet all the expectations of FIT (Free Independent Traveller), group travellers, families, MICE (Meeting Incentives, Conferences/Conventions and Exhibitions) and even big fat Indian weddings. We are also flexible with gastronomy, catering to the vegetarian food preference of Indian guests. Apart from that there are Indian restaurants in Crete as well.” Crete is also looking at organising FAM trips for the Indian travel trade to give them a first hand experience.
Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Its top 10 source markets include Germany, United Kingdom, Russia, France, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Israel and Belgium. 40% of visitors come back to Crete in their next scheduled holiday (within 1-2 years). “There are very few Indian tourists visiting Greece and even fewer visit Crete. It is a long-haul destination” Michalis Vamiedakis, said. The average travel time to Crete is 8-9 hours.
“Mumbai is well connected with various cities across the globe; hence connectivity is not an issue. We have good air connectivity through the Middle East and also through Athens and all main European cities,” Vamiedakis said.
Crete has 3 airports and 6 ports. It offers longest tourism season of all Greek islands, stretching from March to November
