Greek Island of Crete Strengthens Tourism Ties with Poland

The Region of Crete, recognising the growing importance of the Polish market for the island’s tourism development, implemented three targeted promotional actions throughout November aimed at familiarising both Polish consumers and industry professionals with Crete’s tourism offering and competitive advantages.

As part of this initiative, on 12 and 13 November Crete participated in specialised workshops in Katowice and Warsaw, featuring B2B meetings and presentations delivered by the Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism, Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou. He showcased Crete’s distinct tourism profile to Polish travel operators and agencies, emphasising the island’s natural beauty, culture, gastronomy, and renowned hospitality.

From 20 to 22 November, the Region took part in the International Tourism Fair of Warsaw (ITTF 2025), engaging in continuous B2C interactions as well as meetings with exhibitors from both Greece and Poland. Among the noteworthy contacts was a meeting with a representative of ITAKA, one of Poland’s major tour operators.

Through these sustained and multilayered engagements—spanning different cities (Warsaw and Katowice) and diverse audience groups (business community, general public, and media)—Crete highlighted its unique strengths with the goal of boosting arrivals from Poland and securing the country’s position as the island’s third-largest inbound tourism market.

Crete’s participation at ITTF 2025 was hosted within the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) pavilion, coordinated by the GNTO office in Warsaw. The Greek presence was further enhanced by cultural performances featuring live music and traditional dancing from the Greek community of Warsaw.

The Greek booth was visited by the Ambassador of Greece to Poland, the Greek Consul in Warsaw, the commercial attaché, and embassy officials, who offered full support to the delegation.

“The Polish market, consistently among the top sources of visitors to Crete and edging closer to 500,000 arrivals, was one of our central strategic priorities in November,” said Dr. Kotsoglou. “This market has enormous potential—rich in culture, nature and gastronomy—and its people have a genuine love for Crete everywhere we go.”

The Region of Crete’s delegation included Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou; Regional Councillor and President of the Regional Development Agency of Crete, Stratis Flemetakis; Head of the Tourism Department of Chania, Emmanouil Volikakis; Tourism Consultant of Chania, Tasos Diamantakis; and Polish-speaking tour guide Justyna Kulik.