Crete tourism shows resilience despite international crises

The tourism sector in Crete has demonstrated significant resilience despite international crises and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war. Nikos Koumnas, president of the Rethymno Hoteliers Association, stated that the island has successfully met challenges and defied negative predictions regarding the tourism season.

In Rethymno, September saw high occupancy rates, with positive trends continuing through October. While most seasonal resorts are expected to conclude operations by mid-November, city hotels will remain functional.

Data from the Greece Reputation Tracker for the second quarter of 2026 supports this positive outlook. Crete achieved a tourist experience score of 9.1 out of 10, compared to 9.2 for Greece as a whole and 8.9 for the European benchmark. This rating is based on 32,759 reviews of restaurants, bars, and attractions. Specific high scores were noted for sea-related experiences (9.4), culture (8.9), and gastronomy (8.8).