The Heraklion Port Authority has announced that it started preparations for the cruise season with a meeting of more than 20 stakeholders, including the Region of Crete, the city of Heraklion, the board of tourism, traffic police, tourism police, the local trade association, the chamber of commerce, union representatives of shipping agents and the Association of Professional Guides, among others.

Talks focused on accommodating cruise passengers in the port and the city of Heraklion, as well as efforts to promote Greek tourism products and especially cruises and offering guests a high level of service and hospitality.

The President and CEO of the Port of Heraklion, John Bras, briefed participants on the initiatives Port Authority has taken in 2015 to promote cruising through to 2016, as well as the participation of the port in cruise industry events and exhibitions.

According to Bras, it is important that the stakeholders continue to work closely together to innovate and upgrade the tourism product.

The common denominator of the various speakers was that the support for tourism in region is important in order to drive infrastructure developments, as well as cooperation between the city, the port and the various tourism operators to solve practical every-day problems and to promote so-called “experience tourism.”

Local businesses commented on the port authority’s support and for introducing modern technology and alternative information/media in highlighting historic and cultural monuments.