Crete is among the top 10 trend-setters regarding destinations in 2023 in adventure, nature, and wellness tourism throughout the world, as Spanish magazine Hosteltur reports, citing the findings of a recent survey conducted by Spanish travel intelligence service provider Mabrian Technologies. For this research, Mabrian analysed the global evolution of tourist interests and the data that influence a tourist destination, based on the millions of spontaneous interactions of travellers on the TripAdvisor platform.

In the relevant table, the Greek island ranks second, behind Bali, Indonesia, and above Algarve, Portugal. As the publication notes, Crete “broke all tourism records in 2022, despite the absence of Russian tourists, who are one of its main markets, and despite the fact that it is mainly a summer destination. In addition, it shows an increase in air seats by 17% compared to last year, both for domestic and international routes. In terms of accommodation, it is the destination with the second most competitive average hotel price offer for the coming months. Finally, Crete garners 57% of the comments for active tourism, for activities in nature, and for wellness tourism”.

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As far as Spanish tourists are concerned, their interest in Crete has increased significantly in recent times, also a result of the promotion of the island as a destination for thematic tourism following press trips organised by the Spanish EOT Service.

Specifically, in June 2022 the editor of the History and Archeology magazines “Heritage”, “Museion” and “Viajar es un placer”, Roman Hereter, visited the Minoan palaces at Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, and Zakros as well as the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion in order to write an article on the Minoan culture. Mr. Hereter’s magazines are sent to 12,000 recipients, including regular travellers with an interest in history and archaeological sites, university professors, travel agencies, and tourism executives in both Spain and Latin America.

Also, last October, two top Spanish cyclists travelled to Crete, a filmmaker, and a photographer, promoting the island as a cycling tourism destination through social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) and the Strava platform (28.6 million visitors). The Spanish delegation stayed on the island for a total of five days, during which they also had the opportunity to get to know and present its culture and unique culinary tradition.