*By Kostas Chalkiadakis
The action “Diving Parks in Crete and Cyprus – DEEP CONNECTIONS” aims to strengthen the presence of Crete and Cyprus on the expanding landscape of diving tourism, which is entering a new phase with the development of organised communication, promotion and participation in trade fairs. This is an initiative implemented within the framework of the INTERREG VI-A Greece–Cyprus Cooperation Programme 2021–2027, with the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce carrying out the relevant procedure for the provision of the required services.
The design focuses on showcasing the diving product and creating a more structured communication strategy for the diving parks in the two regions. This specific approach is of particular interest to the tourism sector, as it seeks to link the development of the relevant infrastructure with its promotion and visibility in markets and at events outside Crete and Cyprus.
According to the statement issued by the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, the services to be implemented cover three main areas. The first relates to a communication campaign, the second to a special promotional campaign for the diving destination, and the third to participation in exhibitions outside the programme’s eligible area.
In this way, the programme is not limited to the creation of a new specialised tourism product, but also focuses on promoting it abroad. Participation in exhibitions and organised campaigns are the next step in introducing the diving destination to the interested public and the tourism market.
Two axes for projection and extroversion
The contract promoted by the Heraklion Chamber is divided into two distinct parts. The first comprises publicity, promotion and communication activities and covers both the general communication campaign and the specialised promotion of the diving destination. The second concerns participation in exhibitions, so that the programme and the product developed through it can gain a presence outside its area of implementation.
At this stage, the decision to combine the communication campaign with a physical presence at exhibitions is of particular interest. The design thus creates two parallel promotional channels: on the one hand, through targeted communication and advertising initiatives; and on the other, through participation in events that can bring the diving product closer to the tourist market.
The initiative is funded by European and national funds as part of cross-border cooperation between Greece and Cyprus, with the European Regional Development Fund serving as the main source of funding.
At the same time, contractors will be selected on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender, taking into account the best value for money for each section. The date of the procedure has been set for 25 September 2026.
“DEEP CONNECTIONS” thus serves to link Crete and Cyprus through a unique tourism product with a clear focus on the sea and the experiences that can be developed around it. The organised promotion of the diving parks is currently one of the next steps in the project, with the aim of ensuring that the product gains greater recognition and visibility in the tourism market.
Source: tornosnews.gr