Projects
Crete
Crete remains to be a popular holiday island to UK holidaymakers. We have been working with Thomson to ensure local communities on the island benefit from tourism.
Engaging with the local community
As part of Thomson and First Choice's volunteer programme, Project Discovery, four volunteers from Thomson and First Choice spent two weeks in Crete researching how the Sensatori resort could engage with the local community, and improve the visitor experience for guests.
With so many fantastic locally made products on offer, the volunteers began to think about how they could bring local producers and holidaymakers together.
'Cretan Delights' at the Thomson Sensatori Resort
In summer 2011, the Thomson Sensatori Resort in Crete started hosting ‘Cretan Delights’ evenings for guests, inviting local producers to come to the hotel to exhibit, and sell, their products to guests staying at the resort.
The 'Cretan Delights' evenings give local producers an opportunity to sell products directly to holidaymakers and earn a living from tourism, as well as giving holidaymakers a chance to get a taste of the 'real' Crete.
The evenings will be run again this year for the summer season, following positive feedback from holidaymakers and local producers. We'll bring you more event details soon!
Engaging with local communities
Building a good relationship with the local community can bring many benefits to hoteliers. You can find out more about how to engage with the local community in the 'Buying Local' and 'Fair Employment' sections of the Greener Accommodations tool.
Volunteers Shruti and Amanda with a local craftswoman.