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World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno

World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno

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.

World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno

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.

World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno

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.

World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno

Our Loyal Visitors

World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno

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.

World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno

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.

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World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno

A Special Weekend for Our Loyal Visitors

World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno

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.

World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno

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.

World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno
World Tourism Day 2024 - Rethymno

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.

We are thrilled to welcome visitors from all over the world.
We offer you not just our stunning beaches and rich history, but also a slice of our way of life.

Our warm Cretan hospitality is legendary, and we hope it makes you feel at home.
Because that's what we want Rethymno to be for you – a second home.

City of Rethymno

You are invited to travel to areas, which are perhaps still unknown to the majority, and which are sometimes remote, but always magical and magnificent throughout the seasons. We recommend our visitors to see our picturesque villages through the eyes of the soul, try the Cretan cuisine, our wine and “tsikoudia”, participate in our revelries and festivities, but most importantly get to know our soul, our hospitality, the safe, untouched interior of the region, the other Rethymno.
 
Rethymno Guide       visitgreece2
small map of Rethymnon, Crete, Greece
 
Department of Tourism
  tourism (@) rethymno.gr
  +30 28310 21459
  +30 28310 21459
  21 El. Venizelou Str, 74100, Rethymno, Crete, Greece

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