The Forum: "Mapping the Future"

We are at the end of preparation of a forum intended to reinforce the Hellenic – Russian relationships in tourism. That means more power at the stability of the benign relationships between two countries, rooted in history but contemporary years also.

 Hellenic – Russian  Forum for Tourism entitled "Mapping the Future", organized by the Greek-Russian Chamber of Commerce in Knossos Royal in Hersonissos on 3-4 of September concerns throughout the Greek tourist who has or wants to have relations with Russia and takes place in ideal period for conclusion or confirmation partnerships and pre-season signing contracts.

Performed under the auspices of:

Ministry of Tourism - EOT - Russian Embassy in Greece - SETE - XEE - POX

 It attracts participation:

• the major Russian TO: Coral Travel - Labirint - Panteon Travel - Solvex Tourne St. Petersburg - South Cross - TEZ Tour - TUI Russia & CIS - Versa Travel

 • Organizations tourism promotion in Russia: ATOR (Association Tour Operator of Russia) - RST (Russian Union of Tourism Industry) - Media TRAVEL (Top Hotels) - Media Engineering - Banko Service

• The Ministry of Tourism of Greece

• Region of Crete 

• Region Dodecanese 

• Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises 

• Hellenic Chamber of Hotels 

Supported by:

• The Gold Sponsors: Aegean Airlines - Aldemar Hotels & Spa-Bluebird Airways

• The Sponsor Contact: Media Engineering

• The Technical Support Sponsor: Podimatas Audio Visual 

Knossos Royal where forum will take place

 

The program of forum is: 

3 September 2012

Hall 1 – Ermis / Apollon

09:30 - 10:15 Registration

10:30 - 11:00 Opening Speakers

Vladimir I. Chkhikvishvili, Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the Greek Republic

Anastasios Liaskos, General Secretary of Tourism

Stavros Arnaoutakis, Regional Governor of Crete

Fotis Chatzidiakos, Vice-Governor of the South Aegean Region

Christos Dimas, President / Hellenic Russian Chamber of Commerce

11:00 - 12:30 «Mapping the Future between Greece – Russia»

Keynote Speakers

Spyros Danellis, Member of the European Parliament, Member of the Committee of Transport &

Tourism (TRAN)

Andreas Andreadis, President / Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises

Georgios Tsakiris, President / Hellenic Chamber of Hotels

Yury Barzykin, Vice President / Russian Union of Tour Industry

Irina Turina, Press Secretary / Russian Union of Tour Industry

Alexandros Angelopoulos, Vice President / Aldemar Hotels & Spa

13:00 - 13:30 Honorary Speech by Mrs. Olga Kegalogianni, Minister of Tourism, in the area

of the ‘Fontana Amorosa’ restaurant

Speech by Mr. Eftichios Vasilakis, Vice President /Aegean Airlines

13:30 - 15:00 Lunch

Session Αʹ

15:30 - 17:00 Panel: «Visa – Air Transportation - Airports»

Panel Coordinator

Maya Lomidze, Executive Director /Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR)

Introduction by

Capt. Marios Sabrakos, Quality Manager - Flight Safety Manager & Security Officer /Bluebird

Airways

Panelists

Ioanna Papadopoulou, Consultant B’ in the C4 Dept. of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs

(confirmation pending)

Eftichios Vasilakis, Vice President / Aegean Airlines

Capt. Marios Sabrakos, Quality Manager - Flight Safety Manager & Security Officer/

Bluebird Airways

Georgios Pliakas, Airport Manager / Heraklion International Airport in Crete, “N. KAZANTZAKIS”

Tatiana Zotova, Commercial Director of Labirint

Andrey Agapov, Commercial Director of Solvex Tourne, St. Petersburg

Questions & Answers

17:00 - 17:15 Afternoon Coffee Break

 

Session Βʹ

17:15 - 18:45 Panel: «Marketing & Sales in Russia – Characteristics of a Russian

Client - Shopping Tourism»

Panel Coordinator

Tatiana Dmitrova, President / BANKO Service

Panelists

Alexander Burtin, Commercial Director / TEZ Tour

Zurab Dzhaparashvili, Vice President /TEZ Tour

Marina Borisovskaya, General Director of South Cross

Arsen Saakyan, Owner / Media Engineering

Yulia Shakirova, Senior Account Manager / Media Engineering

Anna Bondarenko, General Manager / Media Travel (Top Hotels)

Dimitris Charitidis, Development & Sales Director / Aldemar Hotels & Spa

Questions & Answers

 

4 September 2012

Conference Rooms Klio/Efterpi, Thalia/Melpo,

Kalia/Erato, PolymnEa/Ourania

09:00 - 10:00 Arrivals – Morning Coffee

10:00 - 14:00 Β2Β Meeting sessions of Russian Tour Operators and Greek Companies

Tour Operators

Coral Travel - Labirint - Panteon Travel - Solvex Tourne St. Petersburg - South Cross - TEZ Tour

TUI Russia & CIS - Versa Travel

Coffee –cookies & beverages offered throughout the B2B meeting sessions .

GOLD PARTNERS

Aegean Airlines

Aldemar Hotels & Spa

Bluebird Airways

COMMUNICATION PARTNER

Media Engineering

TECHNICAL SUPPORT PARTNER

Podimatas Audio Visual

UNDER THE AUSPICES OF

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Athens

Greek National Tourism Organisation

Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises

Hellenic Chamber of Hotels

Hellenic Hotel Federation

 

Dia Island: Beautiful, pure and fortunately uninhabited!

Photo of the island from plane

Crete has several islets around who accompany as good friends for centuries. Some of these have experienced human presence and intervention "climbing" the ladder of tourism development. But there are several uninhabited resisting yet. It is welcoming to man, as he has learned to set the terms of their daily survival. 

One of these is the island of Dia, 6 nautical miles northeast of Heraklion, just because that is deserted by humans, has a very important ecosystem and a special biodiversity, so it is a protected area of ​​the network Natura. Many protected native species, the snail Albinaria retusa, the lizard "Podarcis erhardii schiebeli", the wild rabbit "Oryctolagus cuniculus cnossius", the "Mavropetrίtis" falcon- a kind  that its population monitored by ornithologists-but plants like "chasmophyte Carlina diae" are some of the samples from the rich biodiversity of the island. Now, how the island can be a controlled hunting area, this only authorities  can explain it!

 For the origin of the name of the island there are several opinions. Indicates that the name Zeus (Zeus is Dias in simple Greek) is related to Minos' daughter Ariadne, who had been left on the island behind by Theseus, when he returned to Athens. Others, relate to  Dionysades islands, located northeast of  Crete. A third option is that the name of the island have been taken by the nickname of goddess Aphrodite: Dia. 

Stones and shrubs: the main physical features of the island

 Geomorphological point of Dia is 5km long, 3 km wide and size of 12 square kilometers, oriented from west to east. On the south side of the island are sheltered four sheltered bays : The St George's Bay, where there is a unique harbor and beach of the island, the Bay of Capers, the "Panayiά's Bay" (means thw Holy Mother's bay) and the Bay of Wild Olivetree. To the east is the Bay of Artichokes. The maximum height is 220 feet and is generally compatible with the unique landscape of rocks and bushes. There are areas with wild cliffs reaching 60 meters. North of Dia Two small islands full of gulls, "Paximadi" and "Petalidi".

Human intervention ... fortunately small

 The legend behind the story says that it was created by Zeus: Once, Zeus ruled the world from his throne in Olympus, looked toward the birthplace of Crete, and then surprised he saw   the Cretans to hunt with bows and spears, wiping his favorite wild goats (Kri Kri), children of Amalthea nourished him with her milk when hiding from his father Saturn in "Idέon Άndron" cave . He got angry so much that he decided to kill all Cretans. Immediately threw a thunderbolt at sea and a huge monster emerged with the purpose of destroying the Cretans. However, the other gods tried to make him change his mind, but in vain. Then Neptune, who from his kingdom, the sea, the beast came, he said to Zeus: "Father and my King that can devastate the Curetes, so will repay whatever good you have made? '. Curetes were Cretans who banged loudly of their shields to not  his father Saturn hear his son crying  and eat him. Zeus immediately changed his mind. Then she took two pieces of rusk and flew off Crete. So when did the monster to eat him with a thunderbolt petrified with the rusks. Thus was born the Dia both islands, Paximadi (paximadi in Greek means rusk) and Petalidi. 

The colorful seabed of the island

Flying fish by Dia

 The island's history is intense since the Minoan period, thanks to great for navigation position. It was the island that reminded mariners that the coasts and harbors of Crete was near. A fortified coastal Minoan settlement has been located near the Gulf of St George confirms the habitation of the island. On the surface, the end of the island have been identified and other traces of habitation, and we know that there was a small vineyard cultivation until 1937, made ​​by anglers.  

The Harbour

 

The years 1974-75, the great French oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who tried to find the lost city of Atlantis lies between Crete and Santorini, with the help of a submersible discovered 7 ancient shipwrecks in Dia , with many amphorae and other archaeological finds dredged. The next year he discovered the Cyclopean Walls, as named by the experts. It is squared and rectangular rocks that made ​​up an artificial breakwater. He Cousteau believed it was the largest and most important harbor of Knossos, which plummeted from the eruption of Santorini. Today, it is believed that the jetty is even older, however, new archaeological research to prove his paternity has not yet taken place. 

Achilles Tagaris in Illustrated History (Vol 143, 1980) states that the island was overgrown with lush forests and crystal springs. Forests destroyed for shipbuilding, the sources dried up, while the eruption of Santorini in 1450 BC ended at any sign of life of Zeus, as the huge tidal waves swept away everything in their path.

Cousteau with M. Voutsala and his research team.

 In the sea area between Heraklion and Dia discovered by Cousteau and Herakleion Manolis Voutsala (Bloblos) and the wreck of the French ship of the 17th century "La Therese". The ship was part of the French aid was sent to Candia during the siege by the Ottomans and was the only ship that sank on June 24, 1669. Was yponafarchida fleet and was sunk by the explosion of gunpowder. 

The church of St. George

On the island, there are no facilities except a tavern near the harbor of the island on the Bay of St. George. There is the beautiful church of St. George, where you can agnantefsete Crete. Access to the island by boats that run day trips.   Source: lexifilia.blogspot.gr

Xerokampos: Evenings full of stars and tranquility

 
 The central beach

If you want to forget even your name and if you want to isolate at the edge of Crete, Xerokampos of  Sitia is the safest option. An unscathed by the hordes of tourists, secluded and beautiful area, located 48 km from Sitia, 29 km from Palekastro and 9 km from the coast of Kato Zakros. Almost 6 Km rich coastal bays and crystal sea but surrounded a desolate, uninhabited rocky and harsh landscape.









The "Mazdά Ammos" beach


The "Gerontόlakos" beach.

The beaches surrounding area is beautiful and ideal for those seeking tranquility, rest and relaxing vacation and at the same time, the shallow crystal clear waters make Xerokampos ideal destination for families with children.





 The rare, white lily of the sand at  "Katsounάki" beach of Xerokampos

Xerokambos offers all kinds of beaches with golden sand, white sand, pebbles and even clay for lovers of natural spa.  


 The "Άrgilos" beach

The wild beauty of the mountains and canyons combined with fantastic deserted beaches and coves carved, palms and olive groves and creates a magical setting. The islands opposite, named "Kάvali",   await lovers of the deep and good swimmers to discover the secrets they keep. 


 The "Alatsolίmni" beach

You will not find many touristic infrastructures. But you can secure comfortable accommodation possibilities, including plenty of food  and very well cooked.  There are 5 restaurants in Xerokampos, a snack-bar and a supermarket, but no other kind of tourist shops, kiosks or any luxury hotel, disco or bank ATMs.Credit card is accepted only at the tavern "Akrogiali" (Ambelos Beach) and Taverna "Kostas" (with Internet Point).



 The "Amάtu" beach
 The nearest medical help is 25 minutes by car and is provided in Ziros (at the military base that exists), you can find a pharmacy and a bank. The petrol station is at Zakros (10 min by car).The first equipped hospital is about 50 minutes by car to Sitia.



The "Potamόs" beach

Therefore it is essential fluids procuring essential drugs and money before you arrive. Xerokambos is a small oasis, a place without unnecessary luxuries of any kind!


The "Ligiάs Lάkos" beach
Pure, chaste, away from the chaos, nothing here could not bring you back to the stress of everyday life. The evenings are still full of stars and tranquility.

Source: lexifilia.blogspot.gr

Hiona: An authentic beach

 
Hiona beach is one of the most popular in eastern Crete. Not great, not cosmopolitan, not spectacular. But it is authentic and gives it a unique beauty.
A beautiful beach on the eastern tip of Crete, with a length of about 300m. with white sand, sandy bottom and shallow waters. The swimming area is safe even for young children. The lack of facilities, such as umbrellas and sunbeds, not felt, as there are several trees, below which you can relax after a swim in the crystal clear waters. East of the beach there are many small coves with pristine beaches ideal for those wanting more privacy. Opposite the beach are the islets headline. In the area of Hiona there rooms and small hotels that can accommodate, but the three most famous taverns in Crete, which are famous for its fresh fish and the soup.
Located about 21km east of Sitia and 2km east of Palekastro.

Source: laxifilia.blogspot.gr

Panormo:Natural harbor,calm waters

 
Panormo is a quiet resort, which in recent years an increasing growth rates, while preserving the beauty and charm of a traditional settlement.
The village's attractions is the Basilica of St. Sophia in the 6th AD century-the largest in Crete - the stronghold of the Genoese in 1206, few traces of which survive to the next port and restored Carob, which is currently used as a cultural center, this sample and the significance of the settlement.
Panormo is a natural harbor with calm waters. There are two great beaches and some smaller ones which are suitable for those seeking solitude.
 
From great beaches to be the busiest Harbour, a port of Panormos. It is organized, sandy, with clean water, calm and shallow, making it ideal for children. West of the village there is another great beach, which seems to be the first copy.
The area has facilities for tourist accommodation, while far from Rethymnon only 20 km.

Source:  http://lexifilia.blogspot.gr/

Myrtos: Wild, southern beauty

   

O Myrtos is a quiet and picturesque seaside village on the south coast, near the pretty town of Ierapetra, about 15 km west of the city. A beautiful place, a riot of colors: blue doors, whitewashed houses, red bougainvilleas, fragrant gardens and green neighborhoods. It has a very nice beach with pebbles and in places with adequate infrastructure. In the  village there are small hotels and apartments that offer a good and economical solution for solitary or quiet family holidays. The food is abundant, especially the fresh fish, good fish restaurants in the village.

 

Alternatively for more privacy there is a large, quiet and no facility to bathers beach west of the settlement with pebbles and rocks, ideal for lovers of fishing with spearguns.

Myrtos will have the opportunity to see the ruins of a very important Early Minoan settlement (2600-2200 BC) section "Phurnu Coriphi" (3.5 kilometers east), Middle Minoan period farmhouse in the "Pirgos" and the ruins of Roman baths with mosaic floors located in "Ayios Antonios" ("Saint Anthony" - west of the village).

Within walking distance of Myrtos is a beautiful grove of oak trees and pines in the village Selakano, which you can visit combined with a trip around the area.  

Source: lexifilia.blogspot.gr

Agia Galini means Saint Tranquillity

 
Agia Galini is one of the most famous tourist resorts of Crete in Greece and abroad. Located on the southeast coast of Crete, at the boards of the county of Rethymno - Heraklion. The place is built the famous fishing village is rocky and steep, the houses are built amphitheater up tall hills and all have panoramic views over the Libyan Sea. He has an excellent climate, mild throughout the year, and wonderful natural environment.Several versions have heard about the origin of the specific name of Agia Galini. One of these states that when a Byzantine princess traveled to the Holy Land by ship, fell into a big storm. Then he prayed to the Virgin Mary, asking her help, and gave it to build a temple, where you would come out. Indeed, the ship managed to save himself and arrives in the sheltered bay of the village, never getting waves. The princess, faithful to the oath, he built a temple, which he named Our Lady Peace, which was later paraphrased in Agia Galini.   This temple is the Assumption of the Virgin in the village cemetery. Also, maps of the Ottoman found the name Saint Tranquillity. Finally, it can be derived from the words "eternal peace", ie always calm harbor.

Agia Galini has beautiful beach and many tourist facilities such as hotels, rooms, apartments and studios, but for lovers of camping in Agia Galini is organized Camping, Lagkoufa the village near the beach of Agia Galini. 
In Agia Galini is the cave of Daedalus, where according to legend he was hiding there with his son Icarus, but was pursued by King Minos. They managed to fly to freedom using improvised feathers stuck with wax.The rock used as a basis for their flights, the right side of the harbor overlooking the sea and now houses two statues depicting the moment preparing for their trip.

Sources: www.agiagalini-crete.com, lexifilia.blogspot.gr.

Agiofarango:Scenic and picturesque

 
"Agiofarango" is located south of the Odigitria monastery, at the south of  Heraklion region,  and created by the beds of two streams that start in a north - northeast of "Gyalomonochoro" and the other northeast of Odigitria. The two streams are meeting near Agia Kiraki after following a relatively smooth path west and south of Church "Agia Kiriaki's porofarango" entering from where begins the main gorge, "Agiofarango" and end up in the Libyan Sea, which lies a small but beautiful beach . The longest route of the gorge rising right and left huge vertical cliffs where there are many caves. 
 
Agiofarango is very scenic and picturesque is still the fact that you can only pass on foot, and the place is isolated, wild and rugged. All these together with the fact that it is too far from populated areas did Agiofarango the first center ascetic life not only the region but the whole of Crete, from the earliest Christian times.  
 
Moreover, the very name of the site performs better than any description of the sacredness of the site. Going down the canyon and about 250 meters before reaching the beach is the church of St. Anthony (Agios Antonios) who was also the center of the asceticism of the area after him should be made all the rituals of Christian worship. The church of St. Anthony is believed to have been renovated three times to get its current form. First was a small church in a small cave in the rock, but as the years passed and the growing number of practitioners needed more church about it and grew. For the third and last renovated or grew during the 14th or 15th century and so maintained until today. It's excellent technical architecture and had toichografithei but because it was located near the sea, the murals were destroyed. Outside the church there is a well from which water is supplied to the ascetics it because there is no nearby source. South of the church on a small hill was plundered circular vaulted Minoan tomb indicates human presence from the Minoan era. Finally descending from the Church of St. Anthony to the sea on the left side and a short distance from the church is the "Goumenospilios."Sources: www.imodigitrias.gr, lexifilia.blogspot.gr