The establishment of Rethymnon as a safe destination for all year round through a series of actions and activities is the main objective of the municipality's tourism promotion program, as approved by the city council.
The drafting of the promotion programme presented by RES-MPA is based on the philosophy of developing alternative forms of thematic tourism with the aim, as it is typically stated, of «opening up new markets».
Modern marketing
An important part of the actions proposed is to strengthen tourism marketing.
As the tourism promotion programme states, «the Tourism Office is working on actions and activities, part of which will be carried out with the support of external partners and will contribute to the improvement of the services offered to visitors and create experiences for visitors in the context of the trend of experiential tourism. Furthermore, the planned actions and experiences will contribute to the extension of the tourist season, an objective set by the Municipality's Tourism Development and Promotion Committee in the context of sustainable development».
Information actions
At the same time, visitor information actions will be implemented (operation of info-points).
The Visitor Information Centres are one of the first stops that many travellers make when they arrive for the first time in Rethymno, in order to be informed about cultural and sporting events, walking or cycling excursions in nature and villages. In addition, their contribution will be important in providing information on the measures in place to deal with the pandemic, suggesting actions and areas where visitors will be away from crowds in order to be safe.
As part of the promotional and promotional actions, the creation of thematic promotional actions that will accompany the posts on the official website of the municipality and social networks, with a parallel presentation to local institutions.
Also, in the context of strengthening the tourism product, it is proposed to produce videos and photographs with material from the main points and areas of tourist interest of the municipality and with an anthropocentric approach (visitors who experience a fun and beautiful travel experience) and can be used in printed materials, advertisements, internet (digital campaigns) and other publicity and PR activities.
Also the creation of models for the advertising entry of promotional material in printed and electronic media, actions for the promotion and promotion of Rethymnon in electronic form, through the official website of the tourism office, use of social media, creation of direct mail or newsletter with information and material to be sent to tour operators, journalists, cooperation and sending promotional material to the offices of EOT Europe, electronic advertising promotion at Heraklion Airport and other entry gates,.
Cooperation with institutions
An important part of the project is the cooperation with tourism institutions and agents, cultural associations, bodies and other municipalities and the region in order to organize cultural events and during the winter months, the development of tourist packages for hiking trails, promotion of gorges, development of rural tourism, gastronomic tourism and sports tourism.
The tourism promotion program also includes the participation of Rethymnon in 22 major tourism exhibitions abroad.
