Calls for Minoan Civilization, Spinalonga to be Named UNESCO World Heritage Sites

On occasion of an UNESCO Committee Convention held in Heraklion, Crete, last weekend, Crete Region Prefect Stavros Arnaoutakis and Heraklion Mayor Vassilis Labrinos called for the inclusion of Minoan Civilization and Spinalonga island on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

Delegates from 18 countries gathered on Crete last weekend to discuss the inclusion of Minoan Civilization and the islet of Spinalonga – once a leper colony – on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list.

Experts from Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America convened at Heraklion’s St Mark Basilica chaired by Culture Ministry Secretary General Maria Vlazaki to discuss the protection of cultural property from antiquities smuggling activities, while committee members had the chance earlier that day to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and learn more about the Minoan Palaces including Knossos, Phaistos, Zakros, Malia and Cydonia via a video presentation.

“We are confident that the UNESCO Committee will contribute to the common effort for the protection of the world’s archaeological treasures and the Region of Crete is present in this action,” said Arnaoutakis.
(source:gtp)

Time for Greece to Capitalize on Safety, Its Strong Point

By Maria Paravantes in Berlin

It’s time for Greece to capitalize on its leading strong point – security, Michalis Vamiedakis, Crete Tourism Commissioner told the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) during the ITB Berlin on Thursday.

“The good news is that we are seeing increased bookings and more reservations for the off season period like April and May, the bad news that many of these bookings have been made very early when hoteliers made extremely low offers which is bound to take a bite out of revenue,” Vamiedakis told the GTP, adding that the resultant increase in tourism due to the situation in Turkey must be taken advantage of.

“It is vital that we capitalize on the current demand for Greece, offer the finest services at competitive prices and promote the added advantage of Greece right now, namely that it is a safe and secure destination,” Vamiedakis said, echoing the sentiments of many of his colleagues at the ITB.

But he was quick to point out that stakeholders must also “remain wise, keep their prices down and spread the word that Greece is value for money due to the safety it offers”. 

“We must also aim parallel to the sea and sun concept to promote new tourism segments like agro-tourism, health, conference and other forms of the product offering diversity and at the same time focusing on what brings in travelers.” 

(source: GTP)

Crete: The Apokriés, or Carnival season in Rethymno, Brings Thousands of Tourists...

Since 1914 beautiful Renaissance Rethymnon has been celebrating the carnival with its many humoristic events. A carnival of another era leaving behind its nostalgic aroma of romantic balls and the Rethymnians through laughter and their comical antics paying their tribute to "His Excellence, The King of the Carnival."

The Treasure Hunt, an old custom dating back to when the Carnival of Rethymno began about a century ago, was the reason for the creation of 'teams' in 1990, which would give birth once again to this age-old tradition.

In 1993, the Municipality of Rethymnon decided to help fund this popular event and requested the teams to take on the challenging task of creating and organising the Carnival of Rethymnon, which has become the most popular and famous Carnival of Crete!

The whole town becomes one big party: for almost a whole month, the city plays host to a succession of fun-filled celebrations, bringing together locals and visitors who participate in this carnival because they love to enjoy every moment of their lives.

You will see groups of people sitting together in traditional cafés (kafeneia) drinking “tsikoudiá” (raki), tasting Cretan titbits and thinking up “mantinádes” (folk couplet songs) on the spot.

Carnival in Rethymno, an institution with a great history, has withstood the test of time and returns each year full of vigour. 

It is a superb way to raise your spirits, meet new people and experience an event that is pure magic.

Photo of the day

Sunny day walking, by the plakias beach..
Rethymno,Crete.. 
Plakiassuites

Have a great February

Enjoy the little things...

Positive Signs for Greek Tourism as Pre-bookings Grow

Tourists from Germany, Russia and the UK have already made plans to visit Greece this summer pushing the number of pre-bookings into positive territory and offering sector professionals a glimpse of what’s in store for 2017.

Arrivals from Germany are expected to grow by 40 percent, from the UK by 15 percent and from Russia by 25 percent compared to 2016.
At the same time, interest from other markets, including France, Switzerland and Canada, has also begun to warm up. Travelers this year are keen on visiting Crete, Rhodes and Kos — islands which are expected to draw in the crowds thanks to a number of newly launched direct flights.

Vacationers from the US are also expected to rise this year, following a double-digit increase in 2015-2016, Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura said while in the US for the New York Times Travel Show.

Meanwhile, TUI reports a 41 percent rise in the number of bookings for Greece, while Thomas Cook is describing Greece as this year’s “ultimate destination”.
Spain remains Greece’s main competitor as the leading choice for holidays together with rivals Italy and Portugal. Egypt, meanwhile is regaining ground due to affordable holiday deals.
(source:gtp)

Plakiassuites: Life is better near the beach..

Plakias Suites in Rethymno Crete, Greece.

Welcome to the Plakias Suites (4 keys), a family complex of 6 apartments that fits perfectly into its natural Cretan surroundings in one of the most attractive locations in southern Crete, the bay of Plakias.

The complex is situated on the long, sandy beach of Paligremnos in Plakias.

"Plakias Suites" is the ideal place for families with children due to the spacious, comfortable apartments with access onto the grassy 900 sq. m. garden where children can play undisturbed.

http://www.plakiassuites.com