Crete Locals

Knossos sees fewer visitors in July, tour guides report one of the toughest years

· By CreteLocals Editorial Team
Crete Locals News

The Knossos archaeological site near Heraklion recorded a drop in visitor numbers in July, receiving approximately 10,000 fewer visitors compared with the same month last year, according to figures cited in the report.

Visitor traffic was also down in May and June, in contrast to other months this year that showed an increase. August, however, is showing stronger momentum so far.

The profile of visitors to the site is also changing. The number of Italian visitors has increased, while the number of German visitors has noticeably declined.

Tour guides describe a difficult season

For the tour guide profession, this year is described as one of the most difficult in recent years, with organized excursions significantly reduced.

The long-standing issue of unlicensed, so-called “fake” tour guides remains a concern. Professional tour guides are calling for stricter controls and more effective enforcement of existing legislation.

Maintenance and upgrade works underway

At the Knossos archaeological site, maintenance and upgrade works and programs are currently under way. A further, significant exterior upgrade project for the site is expected to begin in autumn.

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