Source: newstourism.gr
The Region of Crete participated with its own booth in the international tourism exhibition “Vakantiebeurs”, in Utrecht, the Netherlands, from January 8 to 11, with the aim of promoting its tourism product and further strengthening the flow from the Dutch market. The Dutch market occupied 5th place in 2025 based on air arrivals at the airports of Heraklion and Chania, remaining consistently high in the ranking after the pandemic.
Despite the difficult weather conditions that prevailed on the days of the exhibition, the Region of Crete stand had high traffic and the public was informed about the comparative advantages of the island as well as the authentic experiences it offers throughout the year. The booth of the Region of Crete was visited by the Commercial Attaché of Greece in The Hague, Apostolos Michalopoulos, and the Deputy Head of the Greek National Tourist Organization in the Netherlands, Eleftheria Fili.
Participation in the Vakantiebeurs exhibition is part of the strategic objectives of the Region of Crete for 2026, which include strengthening the international recognition of the destination, diversifying the tourism product, extending the tourist season and geographically spreading tourism throughout the island.
Through its continuous and targeted presence in international markets, the Region is working methodically to achieve these goals, ensuring the sustainable development of tourism in Crete.
The Region of Crete was represented as head by the Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism, Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, the Head of the Tourism Department of the Heraklion Regional Unit Eleni Vougioukalaki and the Head of the Planning and Development Department Olga Milioni.
The Deputy Regional Governor of Tourism Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou stated: “The image and the record given by our international and domestic air arrivals for 2025 as in previous years, showed the proportionality in the growth of Crete, but also the reason why we came to the Netherlands after 2023 and despite the fact that the Greek National Tourist Organization is no longer participating here. The Dutch market has been stagnant in numbers since 2019, close to 230,000 visitors, a significant number and one of the top positions, but in contrast to all other markets that are constantly increasing. The Dutch showed their love at our stand, which gives very optimistic messages for this year, however, the absence and discontinuity has its cost, even for Crete, Everywhere!!”.
Source: newstourism.gr