We're celebrating our amazing repeat visitors!
Rethymno celebrated World Tourism Day 2024 with great enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of tourism for the local economy and society.
The Municipality of Rethymno and the Hotel Association co-organized an event to honor people who have significantly contributed to developing the area's tourism.
This year's theme, "Tourism and Peace," invites us to think deeper about what tourism means.
It's not just about sunbathing on our beautiful beaches or exploring ancient ruins.
It's about building bridges between cultures and fostering understanding among people from all corners of the world.
Rethymno is a special place. Our city has been a melting pot of cultures for centuries.
From the Venetians to the Ottomans, and now to you – our dear visitors from across the globe.
This rich history makes Rethymno a living example of how tourism can bring different cultures together.
Recognition of Pepi Birliraki's work
The event's central figure was Mrs. Pepi Birliraki, former Deputy Mayor of Tourism, who received an award for her long-term and substantial contribution to tourism development in Rethymno. Pepi loves Rethymno's culture and history. She worked hard to make tourism better here.
As vice mayor, she made Rethymno a great place to visit.
From the start, Pepi knew that making Rethymno better would help tourism. She knew we needed to tell people about Rethymno.
She started campaigns to let travelers all over the world know about us.
Pepi knew tourism was competitive. She started new kinds of tourism here. Thanks to her, visitors can now enjoy bike rides, hikes, and food tours in Rethymno.
Pepi organized festivals and events that made our city lively. These events weren't just fun – they helped locals and visitors meet. They showcased our history and culture, giving visitors great memories.
Pepi helped plan projects for long-term tourism. She thought about what Rethymno would need in the future.
One of Pepi's best skills is working with others. She knew success doesn't come alone. She worked with other groups and cities to promote Rethymno together.
Pepi didn't just do things – she changed how we think.
She taught us that tourism isn't just about money. It's about showcasing our culture, protecting nature, and making life better for locals and visitors alike.
Our Loyal Visitors
We are particularly proud of our repeat visitors who consider Rethymno their second home. Many have visited our city 30 or 40 times!
A standout case is Mrs. Elizabeth Roof from the Netherlands, who has visited Rethymno 70 times!
At the recent World Tourism Day event, the Municipality of Rethymno and the Hotel Association honored 93 visitors from 28 hotels, presenting them with friendship awards.
These visitors come mainly from Germany, but also from Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Sweden, and Malaysia.
As it was notably mentioned: "Once again, we honor those who have honored us with their presence for so many years. They are our best ambassadors, and by being here, they declare that Rethymno is the best destination for them. Most come for ten, fifteen, or even 30 consecutive years."
These loyal visitors are our best ambassadors, sharing their experiences and attracting new visitors to our area.
A Special Weekend for Our Loyal Visitors
Loyal visitors had the opportunity to participate in a weekend full of festivities.
On Friday, September 27 at Platanes, they enjoyed a night of celebration with Cretan music, feeling the rhythm of traditional dances, and savoring the flavors of Cretan cuisine.
On Saturday, September 28, before the Award Ceremony, they were treated to fresh fish offerings from the Rethymno Fishermen's Association, followed by a short cruise excursion by Dolphin Cruises in the afternoon, where they experienced a magnificent sunset over the sea.
On Sunday, they visited the Archaeological Museum at Eleutherna and were captivated by Pablo Picasso's exhibition.
The Joy of Life exhibition rounds off a culturally enriching weekend.
