Region of Crete: Meeting with tourism stakeholders in the presence of Mr. Tzitzikostas

A working meeting with the main subject of tourism and transport strategies was held today in the Region of Crete, in the presence of the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

“Our meeting and discussion are not at all symbolic, they are deeply substantive and I want to mark the start of the dialogue on the European strategy for tourism, which we will prepare and present in early 2026,” said Mr. Tzitzikostas, giving the impression of his visit.

The meeting was coordinated by the Governor of Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis, who focused on the spirit of cooperation that characterizes the local community, underlining the importance of infrastructure for strengthening the tourism product. Particular reference was made to the progress of two major projects — the Northern Road Axis of Crete (VOAK) and the new international airport in Kastelli, which are estimated to play a decisive role in the sustainable tourism development of the island.

During the meeting, tourism and transport stakeholders submitted proposals and highlighted the needs arising from the expected increase in tourist flows in the coming years.

Among the participants were the president of the Crete Hoteliers Association, Nikos Chalkiadakis, the president of the Crete Tourist and Travel Agents Association, Michalis Vlatakis, the vice-president of SETE, Manolis Giannoulis, as well as the heads of major ferry companies —Loukas Sigalas (Minoan Lines), Panos Dikaios (Attica/ANEK Lines), Marios Iliopoulos (SeaJet)— and the presidents of the Eastern and Western Crete KTELs, Giorgos Hachlioutis and Yiannis Kapsanakis, respectively.

The European Commissioner listened carefully to the representatives' statements, noted proposals, and committed to taking them into account in European planning for tourism and transport. At the same time, he expressed his support for the initiatives of the Region of Crete and local bodies, emphasizing the importance of cooperation to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector.

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