Greek Travel Bloggers Take Tour of Hersonissos’ Best Kept Secrets

Episkopi, Aitania, Hersonissos.

As part of its efforts to extend the tourist season and introduce holidaymakers to alternative tourism options, Crete’s Hersonissos Municipality is tapping into the far-reaching influence of the social media.

Its latest three-day press trip last week for a group of Greek travel bloggers was warmly embraced by local sector professionals, who joined forces to present the region’s best kept secrets, turning to social media to spread the word.

Five travel bloggers from Athens and Thessaloniki – Maria Kofou (www.travelstoriesfromyworld.com), Kostas Fylaktos (www.runvel.gr), Maria Petropoulou (www.mylandingrunway.com), Maria Kalymnou (www.maryhop.com) and Christos Lukas (www.blogtravels.gr) – had the chance to tour the ancient and religious sites of Hersonissos, participate in volunteer activities and nature treks, attend sporting events and indulge in local delicacies.

An initiative of Hersonissos Mayor Yiannis Mastorakis, the fam trips aim to promote Hersonissos beyond the usual sea and sun concept as a destination offering diverse choices for the restless traveler regardless of season.

Anissaras Beach, Hersonissos.

Besides boosting its presence at international tourism fairs and enhancing its promotion through online advertising, the Municipality of Hersonissos has also launched a municipal department for tourism headed by deputy mayor Efthimis Mountrakis who said of the initiative: “The purpose of this action is to promote our destination through the eyes of people who have traveled a lot.”