Key Tourism Figures 2016: Aristotelis Thomopoulos, President Thessaloniki Hotels Association

Official Tourism Message

In recent years, Thessaloniki Hotels Association has spent great efforts in boosting the tourist flow in the region following a dynamic strategy of extroversion.

The constantly-updated marketing plan aims to intensify the holistic marketing activities regarding the promotion of the destination and the hotels of the region as well. Not to mention the fact that the strategies and actions have been implemented under Greece’s political and economic crisis.

Following this approach, along with targeted efforts and hard work, Thessaloniki Hotels Association managed to set the ground for better than expected results increasing the total number of overnights.

Thessaloniki has now gained credibility, trust and popularity by the global tourism market and in turn has become a unique travel destination and one of the top international destinations that the traveler should not miss, according to “National Geographic”.

The rich cultural heritage, the countless monuments including many “Unesco World Heritage” ones, the prominent geographical location, the local gastronomy, the vast entertainment and shopping options as well as the proximity to many archaeological sites such as Vergina and the magnificent beaches of Halkidiki, are the significant competitive advantages and Unique Selling Propositions of Thessaloniki compared to other destinations.

One of the most important goals is to attract high-income travelers in order to enhance the overall brand image of the city and thus establish Thessaloniki as a preferred destination in this target market.

Within the wider context of the National Strategy for Tourism, Thessaloniki Hotels Association aims to promote Thessaloniki as a city break destination not only for groups but also for individual travelers who prefer independent travel arrangements and are willing to spend more money throughout their stay.

Thessaloniki Hotels Association will participate as usual at the Philoxenia International Tourism Exhibition, in Thessaloniki; the most significant, the longest running and the largest tourism fair in Greece. Thessaloniki will also give another dynamic and effective presence at one of the largest travel and tourism events in the world, the World Travel Market London.

In the meantime, Thessaloniki Hotels Association is planning new initiatives while enhancing its successful presence in leading International Tourism Exhibitions, taking part in B2B meetings and major events as well as supporting every effort put into achieving tourism growth and development.