The Thessaloniki Tourism Organization strengthened the city’s presence among the Athens public, presenting it as a top winter city break destination during an event held yesterday at a central hotel in the capital.
In her welcoming address, the Deputy Regional Governor of the Metropolitan Unit of Thessaloniki and President of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization, Ms. Voula Patoulidou, highlighted Thessaloniki’s advantages. According to the latest INSETE bulletin, tourists place Thessaloniki first in the food and drink category with a rate of 92%, surpassing major gastronomic destinations.
Ms. Patoulidou then referred to the city’s strengths, including its 15 UNESCO monuments, the unique location of its port, and its proximity to popular travel hotspots such as Halkidiki, Mount Athos, Olympus, various ski centers, and areas of stunning natural beauty.
She also highlighted Thessaloniki’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for Gastronomy, an important development that enhances the city’s tourism identity and establishes it as a significant destination for both gastronomic and cultural experiences.
She stressed that Thessaloniki’s greatest asset is the temperament of its people, making it a vibrant city that never sleeps, especially during the festive season when its streets come alive with people dancing and singing until dawn.
It is noteworthy that the event, organized in cooperation with Tourism Plus, was attended by the full administrative board of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization: Deputy Mayor for Tourism and Vice President of the Organization, Ms. Maria Karagianni; Vice President of the Professional Chamber and Treasurer of the Organization, Ms. Chryssa Granouzi; Chief Commercial Officer of Thessaloniki Port Authority, Ms. Theodora Riga; and representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Haris Alexopoulos.
Immediately after the corporate presentation of Thessaloniki, Ms. Andreadou from the Tourism Directorate of the Region of Central Macedonia spoke about initiatives covering all areas of Central Macedonia.
Promising prospects were confirmed for boosting tourism flows to Thessaloniki throughout the year, thanks to the potential for increased flights from new destinations to Macedonia Airport.