Organized by Travel.gr – the largest travel media brand in Greece – in collaboration with Proto Thema and with the support of the Region of Crete, the conference sets out to trace the island’s contemporary identity. It will take place at Grecotel’s Amirandes in Heraklion.
Crete has long stood on the strength of a resilient economy, steadily evolving over decades. Today, the island finds itself at a pivotal juncture: major investments, new infrastructure, the arrival of international brands and renewed global interest are reshaping its place on the European map. The conference captures this moment of maturity. Tourism, entrepreneurship, culture, architecture and gastronomy operate as communicating vessels within an ecosystem in constant motion.
Greece Talks opens a dialogue on Crete’s position in a new era, examining how the island distinguishes itself – and how it signals what comes next. The discussion moves from tourism and development as the next great opportunity, to the infrastructure projects redrawing the map and building Crete’s tomorrow, and to the destination’s connection with the world amid intensifying international competition. At its core lies Crete as both experience and global tourism brand, with an emphasis on outward-looking strategy and the caliber of what it offers. Gastronomy emerges as a marker of identity; the island’s music, as a voice that travels beyond borders – together composing a contemporary narrative of a place evolving with confidence and intent on claiming its role on the international stage.
Among those in attendance will be Kostis Hatzidakis, Vice President of the Government; Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Minister of National Economy and Finance and President of the Eurogroup; Christos Dimas, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport; along with influential figures from Greece and abroad spanning tourism, business, finance, culture and gastronomy.
At the heart of the conference are the people who know Crete from within: hoteliers who shaped new standards of hospitality, investors with a long view, institutional leaders tasked with designing responsibly, and creators who continually redefine the Cretan identity.
Speakers
Kostis Hatzidakis – Deputy Prime Minister of Greece
Kyriakos Pierrakakis – Minister for the National Economy and Finance; President of the Eurogroup
Christos Dimas – Minister of Infrastructure and Transport
Pavlos Yeroulanos – Member of the Hellenic Parliament (PASOK – KINAL); Parliamentary Spokesperson
Stavros Arnaoutakis – Governor of Crete
Andreas Fiorentinos – Secretary General, Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO)
Ilias Kikilias – Director General, INSETE (Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation)
Fokion Karavias – Chief Executive Officer, Eurobank S.A.
Ioannis Grylos – Founder and Chairman, IOGR Group (SKY express)
Mari Daskalantonaki – Chief Executive Officer, Grecotel
Kyriakos Mageiras – Executive Chairman of the Board, Attica Group
Anastasios Aranitis – Chief Executive Officer, AKTOR Construction & AKTOR Equity
Dinos Benroubi – Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, METKA ATE
Christos Panagiotopoulos – Chief Executive Officer, TERNA S.A.
Andreas Taprantzis – Chief Executive Officer, Avis Greece
Michalis Lembidakis – Chief Executive Officer, Plastika Kritis S.A.
Andreas Metaxas – Chief Executive Officer, Metaxa Hospitality Group
George Spanos – Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Domes Resorts
Ilias Kokotos – Director of Business Development, Elounda Collection Hotels & Resorts
Demetrios M. Kalaitzidakis – Group Operations Director, Grecotel Hotels & Resorts
Nikos Douloufakis – Viticulturist, Winemaker and Oenologist
Katerina Xekalou – Chairwoman & Chief Executive Officer, Avli Hotel
Panagiotis Magganas – Owner, Peskesi Restaurant & Peskesi Organic Farm
Ross Daly – Musician; Founder, Labyrinth Musical Workshop
