Crete and Poland Forge Stronger Tourism Connection with New Promotional Campaign

Published on November 26, 2025

The Region of Crete has taken significant steps to strengthen its tourism relations with Poland, launching a series of promotional activities aimed at familiarizing Polish consumers and travel professionals with Crete’s diverse tourism offerings. As Poland continues to grow as an important source market for the island, these efforts are designed to boost visitor numbers and enhance Crete’s presence as a top destination for Polish tourists.

Promotional Workshops and B2B Engagement

The first phase of the initiative took place on 12 and 13 November, when Crete participated in specialized tourism workshops held in Katowice and Warsaw. These workshops featured targeted B2B meetings, where Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism in Crete, presented the island’s tourism profile to Polish travel agencies and operators. Dr. Kotsoglou showcased Crete’s exceptional natural beauty, rich culture, vibrant gastronomy, and world-renowned hospitality, aimed at increasing awareness of the island’s unique tourism experiences among Polish professionals.

Participation in the International Tourism Fair of Warsaw

Following these workshops, Crete took part in the International Tourism Fair of Warsaw (ITTF 2025) from 20 to 22 November, where it engaged in both B2C interactions with the general public and B2B meetings with Polish and Greek exhibitors. The event provided an excellent platform for Crete to connect with a broader audience, promote the island’s attractions, and continue strengthening ties with Polish tour operators.

During the event, Crete met with key representatives, including a meeting with a representative from ITAKA, one of Poland’s largest and most influential tour operators. This collaboration could lead to further partnerships and more promotional efforts aimed at drawing more Polish travelers to the island in the near future.

Showcasing Crete’s Strengths at ITTF 2025

Crete’s presence at the ITTF 2025 was part of a broader strategy to highlight the island’s strengths and unique offerings in the Polish market. The island’s booth was hosted within the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) pavilion, which was coordinated by the GNTO office in Warsaw. The Greek presence at the fair was further enhanced with live performances of traditional Greek music and dance from the Greek community of Warsaw, offering visitors a taste of Greek culture alongside tourism information.

The booth also attracted high-profile visitors, including the Ambassador of Greece to Poland, the Greek Consul in Warsaw, and commercial attaché officials, who showed their support for Crete’s tourism initiatives and reaffirmed the importance of Polish visitors to the island’s economy.

Poland’s Growing Importance as a Tourism Market for Crete

The Polish market has been consistently among the top sources of visitors to Crete, with nearly 500,000 Polish tourists arriving in recent years. Dr. Kotsoglou highlighted the immense potential of the Polish market, emphasizing that Polish travelers have a deep affinity for Crete due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unique cuisine. The island’s appeal to Polish tourists is further supported by direct flight routes, making it easier than ever for travelers to visit.

As part of the initiative, Shearzone Safaris and regional tourism officials have also worked to better align Crete’s offerings with the needs and preferences of Polish tourists, ensuring that the island remains a top destination for both business and leisure travel.

Strategic Priorities and Cultural Connections

The Region of Crete has made Poland a key strategic priority within its tourism outreach efforts. With Polish tourists increasingly seeking destinations offering both adventure and cultural experiences, Crete’s combination of history, nature, and luxury has made it an attractive option. The island is also keen on highlighting the growing interest in sustainable tourism, wellness travel, and authentic cultural experiences, which are highly valued by the Polish market.

Meetings with Key Stakeholders and Continued Collaboration

Throughout the November promotional actions, Crete’s delegation included Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, along with other key figures, such as Stratis Flemetakis, President of the Regional Development Agency of Crete, and Emmanouil Volikakis, Head of the Tourism Department of Chania. Their participation underscored Crete’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and making the island an even more attractive destination for Polish visitors.

In addition, Tasos Diamantakis, Tourism Consultant of Chania, and Justyna Kulik, a Polish-speaking tour guide, were part of the delegation, providing valuable support in fostering connections and assisting in promoting Crete’s tourism offerings to Polish audiences.

Looking to the Future: Building Long-Term Tourism Relationships

With its growing appeal in Poland, Crete aims to continue building long-term relationships with the Polish travel community. Through sustained and multifaceted promotional activities, Crete seeks to strengthen its position as Poland’s third-largest inbound tourism market and further solidify its reputation as a premier European destination.

As the tourism relationship between Poland and Crete continues to flourish, the island remains focused on creating unforgettable experiences for Polish travelers—whether they seek culture, nature, or luxury. With direct engagement at fairs like ITTF 2025 and through strategic partnerships with Polish tour operators, Crete is setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in its tourism history.