Chania is advancing towards becoming a year-round tourist hotspot, reports Emmanouil Doukakis, a tourism advisor for the Municipality of Chania, in a recent interview. The city’s focused improvement of tourism infrastructure, services, and development of alternative tourism offerings, such as experience-based tourism, makes achieving this goal increasingly likely, positioning Chania as a desirable year-round destination.
Detailing Chania’s tourism success, Doukakis noted that 2024 has seen impressive growth in arrivals, particularly via the airport. From January to September, passenger traffic through Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport reached nearly 3.4 million, marking a 7.9% increase over the same period in 2023.
Amidst this growth, the overall outlook remains positive, with continued private investment and collaborations with local bodies to enhance Chania’s profile, thereby sustaining and boosting tourism’s impact.
Doukakis highlighted that 2024 has also been a record year for cruises in Chania, with over 120 scheduled ship arrivals, up from last year. Projections for 2025 suggest continued strength in this sector.
Chania is also drawing special interest groups, notably digital nomads. “Interest from digital nomads is rising, with many choosing Chania for its quality of life and pleasant climate,” Doukakis explained, adding that Chania’s solid internet infrastructure and year-round work hubs make it highly appealing.
The region has also gained popularity as a wedding destination, particularly the historic port area with its famous lighthouse, blending traditional Cretan atmosphere with scenic beauty, an ideal setting for couples from abroad.
While Chania’s tourism growth has sparked concerns about “overtourism,” Doukakis acknowledged the strain on local infrastructure, environment, and resident quality of life. He emphasized that measures are in place to address these pressures, including studies and initiatives focused on coastal erosion, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable resource management. The aim is to ensure Chania’s tourism remains sustainable by preserving both the natural and cultural environment.
