Business in Crete (part 1)

Business trips and tourism

Crete is popular among businessmen not only thanks to the Mediterranean climate and good transport accessibility, but also due to the extensive opportunities for congresses, and conferences offered by a large number of hotels. Many people come to Crete in the summer to combine work mainly in the tourism industry with a pleasant pastime on the island

Business tourism

Annually hundreds of seminars and conferences at high level are held in Crete gathering participants from Greece and other countries. Congresses and conferences usually take place in luxury hotels and large congress centers offering all the conditions making events effective: help, services and equipment.

Participants can take advantage of wonderful opportunities for recreation and entertainment, enjoying their stay in Crete. The hotels have adopted high and extensive standards of service, and the most cordial reception. After a relaxing or invigorating break in the swimming pool, gymnasium or spa, guests can enjoy the best food and drinks at the hotel restaurants, and bars.

Most of the facilities have modern audio and video equipment and provide high-speed Internet access. Excellent translators, technical specialists and secretaries help to conduct effectively any conference.

Wonderful climate

The climate of Crete is considered to be one of the most mild in Europe and favorable for people, so this is an excellent place for both work and leisure.

Crete is located at the junction of two climatic zones: the north of the island belongs to the Mediterranean zone and the south to the North African one. The temperature of sea water rarely falls below 15 degrees Celsius, especially on the south coast. A favorable climate year-round attracts numerous guests from the colder regions of Europe: people come to relax, work or combine both of them.

A mild autumn gives way to a mild winter, beyond which comes a pleasant spring; and even in the hottest summer monthAugustfrom the north come a life-giving cool wind.

Ideal location

Crete is located in the southeastern part of the European Union and occupies a convenient location at the same short distance from the three continents Europe, Asia, and Africa.

This location is ideal for congresses and international trade fairs, since participants can easily reach the island from any part of the world. Due to the location in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea and the developed merchant fleet, Crete is rapidly becoming an important center for international trade, which in turn leads to increased employment.

Transport availability

Getting to Crete is very simple. Millions of visitors from all over the world come here every year. There are three international airports on the island in Heraklion, Chania and Sitia, which are connected to hundreds of other international airports. The largest budget airlines make regular flights to Crete, and major international airlines organize their charter flights to the island.

Ports also play an important role. Harbors in Heraklion, Rethymnon and Chania receive each day dozens of luxury passenger ships and ferries that connect the island with the largest Greek harbor of Piraeus. Sea routes are laid from Heraklion to the Cyclades; and from the ports of Sitia, Agios Nikolaos and Kissamos to Rhodes, Karpathos, Kasos, Kitiri and Milos. In addition, dozens of cruise liners make a stop in Chania, Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion.

An effective and inexpensive luxury bus network operates for travelers throughout the island. In the main cities Heraklion, Rethymnon and Chania a network of city bus routes is also available. And, of course, in Crete, you can always rent a car to explore the surroundings, moving along the safe and modern roads of the island.

Security

Thanks to the very low crime rate in Crete, there is a general sense of security, which is another reason for the development of business tourism on the island. In addition, the inhabitants of Crete inherent innate hospitality and the desire to help foreign guests.

For even greater safety throughout the island, there are a number of round-the-clock working well-equipped, effective medical institutions: hospitals in the main cities (the largest are in Heraklion) and private clinics, which provide services to residents of not only Crete, but also of the nearby islands in the south of Greece. In large villages there are medical centers and dispensaries for primary care.

Accommodation

Guests who come to Crete for work or to attend a congress or seminar can count on excellent living conditions in well-equipped hotel complexes, high-quality service and sincere hospitality.

About 30% of the hotels have a category of 5 stars and meet the most demanding requirements, providing modern equipment and high-quality services for events.

Continuation in the next issue