Which OPEKEPE? Olive tourism can take Crete off the ground...

As an emerging and high-value-added sector for Crete, olive tourism is proposed by the Association of Olive-Growing Municipalities of Crete (SEDIK) as a key axis of sustainable development, promotion of the hinterland, and strengthening of the local agri-food economy. At a recent working meeting in Rethymno, findings, good practices, and specific proposals for the organized development of olive tourism on the island were presented.

According to SEDIK, Crete has a unique cultural and natural reserve related to olive cultivation: from centuries-old and monumental olive trees to traditional olive mills, brick kilns, wine presses, and restored oil mills that can be transformed into cultural heritage sites that can be visited.

Indicative monuments that can be included in olive tourism routes:

• The monumental olive tree of Ano Vouvas in Sfakia
• The ancient olive grove in Kavousi, Lassithi, with trees over 3,000 years old.
• Traditional olive mills and brick kilns in the Municipalities of Rethymno, Archanes-Asterousia, and Sitia.
• Old oil production facilities that currently operate as small museums or cultural sites.

Meanwhile, the proposals presented by SEDIK include:

• The institutionalization and certification of olive tourism, with standards that ensure the quality of the experience and sustainability.
• The creation of thematic routes that connect olive monuments, modern production units, tastings, and agrotourism activities.
• The promotion of the Cretan olive tree as a cultural symbol, connecting gastronomy, tradition, and the identity of Crete.
• The use of the “Olive Tree Archive” of SEDIK, with recorded monumental trees and relevant documentation, as a basis for tourism promotion and educational programs.

The support of local producers so that they can connect with the tourism chain and acquire the necessary supplies to offer authentic experiences to visitors.
SEDIK emphasizes that the development of olive tourism must be supported by the State and the Local Authorities, with interventions at the level of infrastructure, promotion, and education. “Olive tourism is not a fashion, it is an investment in the land, history, and our people”, emphasize the members of the Association.