The Region of Crete is significantly increasing its presence in the Indian market, particularly through its participation in international events. The island took part in the OTM 2026 Tourism Expo, which took place in Mumbai from February 5 to 7. The event is the largest tourism exhibition in India and attracts more than 50,000 industry professionals from around the world.
Crete’s Focus at OTM 2026 Tourism Expo
As part of its 2026 Tourism Promotion Program, Crete aimed to strengthen its foothold in high-end tourism. Regional representatives participated in B2B meetings at the Greek stand during the expo, which included a Greek Luxury Tourism Workshop held on February 4.
Key Highlights of the Expo
- OTM Mumbai featured over 2,200 exhibitors from around 60 countries.
- Crete’s participation emphasized luxury travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), wedding tourism, and cultural experiences.
- Direct flights connecting Mumbai and New Delhi to Athens were recently launched by IndiGo, enhancing travel options.
- Aegean Airlines plans to introduce new services as well, facilitating access to Crete.
Strategic Importance of India
India is one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets globally. Recent data indicates that 70% of Indian travelers plan to travel internationally within the next year. Additionally, Greece’s destination ranking in India has improved by 13 positions.
Crete’s appeal is bolstered by its upcoming status as the European Region of Gastronomy for 2026. The local diet and culinary experiences are integral to its promotional strategy. Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism Kyriakos Kotsoglou noted that developing aviation connections and an enhanced tourism profile create favorable conditions for market growth.
Future Prospects for Crete
The new international airport at Kastelli is expected to further improve access to Crete, making it more attractive for Indian travelers. The strategic initiatives set forth at the OTM 2026 Tourism Expo underline the potential for Crete to increase tourist arrivals from India.
