#SmartTour Wine Touring in Crete - Good Practice for Smart Destinations

As part of the Smart Tourism - Smart Destinations project, we are introducing good practices for developing tourist destinations. One of these is wine touring in Crete, which is considered an example of a harmonious combination of tradition and innovation.

Crete is known worldwide for its sun, sea, and rich cultural heritage. However, in recent decades, it has also become a wine destination that attracts thousands of tourists. At the heart of this process is the Wine Producers Association, established in 2006, which brings together 36 wineries, most of which are family businesses with long-standing traditions. They produce about 90% of the island's wine, combining centuries of experience with new approaches to tourism.

Great emphasis is placed on creating modern infrastructure for guests: wine routes have been developed, a single map of wine-producing regions has been created, and a system of navigation signs has been implemented. The tasting experience is complemented by digital solutions, from the online portal winesofcrete.gr  and mobile applications to interactive tours and a virtual wine museum. Importantly, wine touring is integrated with gastronomy, historical heritage, and local culture: tourists can not only taste wines but also experience the special atmosphere of Crete through its cuisine, nature, and legends.

The experience of Crete demonstrates that tourism development can be both sustainable and innovative. Here, creativity is combined with a responsible attitude toward heritage, and digitization opens up new opportunities for promotion and attracting visitors. It is no coincidence that in 2016, the influential magazine Wine Enthusiast recognized Crete as one of the five most interesting wine regions in the world.

This Smart Tour practice demonstrates how, by bringing together local communities, entrepreneurs, and scientists, tourism can become a powerful tool for regional development, creating new jobs while preserving unique cultural identity.

Smart Tourism - Smart Destinations: Accessibility, Sustainability, Digitalisation, Cultural Heritage & Creativity (Smart Tour) project is implemented under the Interreg Europe Program, funded by the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the author. The management of the Interreg Europe Program is not responsible for any information contained in this publication.