Cretan tourism, already on the ropes due to the on-going world-wide financial crisis, is taking another series of punches to its gut by the international media, which is focusing daily on the country's particular debt problems and the numerous work stoppages in its wake.

The situation is further compounded by the fact that Greek tourism has no money, with an estimated 120 million euros owed for advertisements placed in the foreign media, including high-cost thirty-second spots on CNN.

At a recent meeting with the Hellenic Federation of Hotel Owners, Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos heard complaints concerning decreased competitiveness of the tourist product in a particularly demanding international environment brought on by the crisis.

The minister's response was to inform the hotel representatives on various steps he has taken with other relative ministries to resolve the basic tourism problems.

He also presented what he called "the real picture of Greek tourism, as it is being shaped, not only by the economic crisis, but mainly due to the absolute absence of long-range strategy and planning for tourism by the previous government." He also stressed the country's "bad reputation due to the big debts incurred by the Hellenic Tourist Organization."

As of this writing, the Third Congress of Tourism and Property in Crete is being held at the Galaxy Hotel in Iraklion. The symposium includes seminars in "Investment Opportunities and Prospects of Tourism in Crete," and "Tourism & Green Development."

(Editor's Note: A report of that symposium will be featured in next month's edition.)

"The first indications are not encouraging for 2010," said Nikiforos Lamprinos, president of the Iraklion Hotel Owners Association. "They show a difficult year with an exceptionally uncertain result," adding that a weak pound sterling remains a big obstacle, while, in countries like Germany and France, "the unemployment remains high so the people limit their traveling expenses."

Even the ever optimistic Institute of Tourist Research and Forecasts (ITEP), while forecasting a small increase on arrivals, says there will be reduction in tourism revenue this year, citing the unstable environment of international economy.

The four prefectures of Crete have been following a common course of strategic planning in promoting tourism in the past few years. And, this united tourist projection was the central subject in a meeting recently in Iraklion, between all four prefects, Mrs. Vangelio Schinaraki from Iraklion, Giorgos Papadakis from Rethymnon, Grigoris Archontakis from Hania and Sifis Anastasakis from Lasithi.

They voiced their dissatisfaction towards the Greek Tourism Organization regarding its participation in tourist exhibitions and the debt-riddled financing in promoting the island.  They concluded that if the tourism ministry does not further promote Crete, the prefecture governments will find the funds themselves.

Meanwhile, attacks at the expense of Greek tourism are coming in from abroad in blogs which prompt visitors to be careful coming to the country, because of generalized strikes.

In surveying local tourism workers and business owners, the pessimistic feeling prevailed, which was summed up by Eva Hronaki who works in a Stalida hotel's cleaning services.

"Let's be realistic" she commented... "This summer season, things in tourism will get even worst than last year because this economic crisis has knocked on everyone's door. If no drastic measures are taken, we'll go from bad to worse. Sea and sun just aren't enough anymore. Tourists can certainly find both in other countries and with better services and at a much lower cost."

Everyone, however, is not pessimistic about this year's tourist season, and at least one local entrepreneur is putting his money where his mouth is.

"I believe that from June until August, things in tourism will be definitely better than last year," said Manos Gerokostas, who owns the newly-opened Coast Med Seafood Restaurant in Hersonissos. "However, in order to gain even more customers, we must have reasonable prices because of the crisis. Also, our staff must be friendlier, and certainly the quality of our products should be upgraded."

Another optimistic viewpoint comes from Jack Wensveen, who runs the Captain Jack bar in Sissi.

"Outside of Greece, the recession seems to have bottomed out, and there are positive stock market reports," he said. "Plus, because of all the terrible weather in other parts of Europe this winter, people are ready for some sun. But, it also depends on the individual business owner. A smile is free…and priceless."

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