Greece has been actively promoting Thessaloniki as a top European destination for cultural and alternative tourism. The Thessaloniki Tourism Organization (TTO) has been showcasing the city’s unique attractions at major travel fairs in Romania, Germany, and Serbia, generating international interest.
By attending three key tourism exhibitions—TTR Romanian Tourism Fair in Bucharest, f.re.e Tourism Fair in Munich, and Sajam Turizma in Belgrade—TTO has successfully highlighted Thessaloniki’s cultural richness and diverse tourism offerings to both industry professionals and potential travelers.
These markets are crucial for Thessaloniki’s tourism growth. Romania is a key feeder market due to its cultural ties with Greece and increasing interest in travel. Germany, with its high outbound travel volume, offers a chance to attract tourists seeking rich cultural experiences. Serbia, with its economic and cultural connections to Thessaloniki, positions the city as a popular weekend getaway for travelers in the Balkans.
Thessaloniki’s Rising Popularity in Romania: A Cultural Hub for Travelers
Strengthening Tourism Ties at the TTR Romanian Tourism Fair
From February 20 to 23, 2025, TTO participated in the TTR Romanian Tourism Fair in Bucharest, a major event for travel agencies and tour operators. This year’s fair focused on cultural tourism, aligning with Thessaloniki’s key offerings.
During the fair, TTO General Manager Kyriaki Oudatzi met with tourism professionals and media, emphasizing Thessaloniki’s rich cultural heritage, historic sites, museums, and renowned gastronomy.
One significant takeaway was the growing interest among Romanian travelers in immersive cultural experiences. Thessaloniki saw a rise in hotel stays by Romanian visitors, with the city ranking sixth in overnight stays among international tourists in 2023.
This growth is attributed to:
- Improved road access due to the Schengen Treaty
- Strong cultural and historical ties between Greece and Romania
- Affordable luxury travel options in Thessaloniki
To further strengthen connections, Oudatzi held meetings with Greek Ambassador to Romania Evangelia Grammatika and Dragoş Gabriel Zisopol, President of the Union of Greeks in Romania. These discussions focused on enhancing bilateral tourism cooperation and increasing Thessaloniki’s visibility in Romanian travel plans.
With Romania becoming an important European tourism market, Thessaloniki is poised to attract a larger share of Romanian travelers, offering a compelling mix of history, culture, and Mediterranean appeal.
Related topics:
- EasyJet Warns Passengers of Delays Due to Italy Strike on February 24
- Turkey Introduces New Flight Delay Compensation System, Offering Up to £500 for Passengers
- How to Budget Travel Europe?
