HandcraftedCrete – TheWorkshop
Handmade as a “key” to Attracting Quality Tourism
The Regional Development Company of Crete S.A., with the support of the Region of Crete and the Municipality of Chania, and on the occasion of the successful publication by the Region of Crete of the book “Handcrafted Crete,” is organizing a workshop event titled HandcraftedCrete on Monday, November 14, 9:00 – 17:30 at the Megalo Arsenali (Mediterranean Architecture Center) in Chania.
This full-day “hands-on” event presents 10 successful case studies from Crete and abroad and explores the next strategic steps for leveraging the handmade element with the goal of attracting quality tourism to our island. The two speaker panels of the conference will include representatives of institutions and distinguished tourism professionals.
The HandcraftedCrete workshop is addressed to hoteliers, travel agents, service and experience providers, producers, artisans, restaurateurs, and handmade item creators, and is also open to any other interested participant.
The purpose of the workshop is to bring these professionals into a creative dialogue in order to effectively explore collaboration opportunities among them, as well as new fields of action for upgrading and showcasing new forms of tourism on our island.
HandcraftedCrete – THEWORKSHOP
9:00 – 10:00 WELCOME – INTRODUCTION
Dimitris Michelogiannis, Special Advisor to the Region of Crete:
What “Handcrafted Crete” represents for the Region of Crete
Antonis Papaderakis, Deputy Regional Governor and President of the Regional Development Company of Crete S.A.:
Connecting “Handcrafted Crete” with the tourism sector
Panagiotis Simandirakis, Mayor of Chania:
The value of “Handcrafted Crete” in local development
Isabella Zampetaki, Journalist and Author:
Brief presentation of the book *“Handcrafted Crete”*
10:00 – 11:00 BEST PRACTICES FROM ABROAD
Moderated by: Maria Petrantonaki, Director of the Regional Development Company of Crete S.A. and Isabella Zampetaki
The Belgian initiative “Handmade in Bruges”
Presentation of the Handmade in Bruges initiative, which has been running for years, featuring 80 creators, artists, producers, and craftsmen who make handmade products. Handmade in Bruges has a significant impact on the local economy, and this November it opens a new physical store for the network.
Cerdeira Home for Creativity: The Portuguese village of the arts
An abandoned Portuguese village revived as an arts center hosting artists and visitors who want to take part in workshops such as pottery, wooden toy making, and other handmade crafts and products.
11:00 – 13:00 BEST PRACTICES FROM CRETE
Olive oil: The tangible link between the primary sector and tourism
Michalis Panagiotakis, Chef, F&B Manager Aegean Star Hotels, owner of Kr_eat organic & food market:
“Stories” of olive oil at the table and in restaurant kitchens
Eftychis Androulakis, Olive Oil Producer, Pamako:
Olive oil as an experience and ambassador of Crete
Olive-oil break
Instead of a typical coffee break, participants will have the opportunity to explore the basics of olive oil tasting.
The modern dimension of traditional arts
Aria Paraskevaki, Co-owner of Domus Renier:
The role of Cretan artists' works within the hotel and the benefits for the hotelier
Karmela Iatropoulou, Ceramicist:
How authentic ceramics and artworks enhance the travel experience
Cretan products as ambassadors of Crete
Nikos Miliarakis, President of the Wines of Crete Network:
What lessons can wineries and the Wines of Crete network share with other visitor-oriented spaces?
Katerina Xekalou, Owner of the restaurant Avli and the store Avli Raw Materials:
Cleverly showcasing small producers to an international audience
Leveraging the uniqueness of Cretan nature
Nikos Psilakis, Owner of To Fillo:
The added value hidden in the stories and culture of herbs and their harvesting
Maria Loi, Chef, Author, TV personality and Founder of Loi Brand (via Skype):
Promoting Cretan cuisine in the USA
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:30 DISCUSSION PANEL: SYNERGIES OF ADDED VALUE
1st Panel Discussion: Successful examples of synergies between the arts and tourism sectors
Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism & e-Government
Michalis Vlatakis, President of the Association of Tourism & Travel Agents of Crete
Giorgos Mathioulakis, Managing Director – Minoa Palace & Euphoria Resort
Alexandra Theocharis, Founder of Klotho
Giannis Vlavogilakis, Ceramicist – Artistic Village Verekinthos
2nd Panel Discussion: Value synergies between producers–artisans and the tourism sector: exploring the next practices
Haris Roditakis, Educational Development Consultant, Ploigos
Dimitris Kalaitzidakis, Operations Director, Grecotel
Sevasti Krasanaki, President of the Women's Association “Ergani”
Korina Miliaraki, President of the Cultural Association of Panormo “Epimenidis”
Manolis Petakakis, Lagkos Estate
15:30 – 16:30 BRAINSTORMING SESSION
Exploring new ideas and collaborations
Presentation of an original idea for the modern use of traditional looms by
Dr. Konstantinos Ouggrinis, Professor of Architectural Design and Innovative Technologies / Founder of Transformable Intelligent Environments Lab (TUC TIE Lab)
Creative dialogue on two more original ideas concerning the promotion of Cretan products in the hospitality and restaurant sectors.
16:30 – 17:30 CONCLUSIONS
