Central Macedonia Shows Tourism Side to Domestic, International Markets

The Central Macedonia Region is re-introducing its tourism destinations to show the world that they can offer safe and authentic experiences to travelers.

Aiming to attract visitors from quality tourism markets, the region has carried out a number of activities in Greece and abroad in the last few months.

“We are moderately optimistic that revenues and arrivals during next year’s tourism season will approach the levels of 2019, depending on the circumstances of the [coronavirus] pandemic,” Central Macedonia Deputy Governor responsible for tourism Alexandros Thanos said in an announcement.

Highlighting the positive figures of Greece’s arrivals and revenues from travel in 2021, the deputy governor said the region is confident with regard to next year’s tourism season, which is expected to start earlier than usual.

“We aim not only to re-approach travelers who already know our destination but also to attract new visitors from quality tourism markets,” he added.

Promotional actions

“Our aim is for Central Macedonia to become a year-round filming destination,” Central Macedonia Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas said during a conference held on the sidelines of the Philoxenia international tourism expo in Thessaloniki.

The region launched promotional activities in November and started from the international Philoxenia tourism exhibition in Thessaloniki where it presented its local film office and the area’s potential to host international cinema and TV productions.

Next on the region’s agenda was Athens. In early December, executives from the region presented the tourism offerings of Central Macedonia to Greek tour operators and journalists during a scheduled event.

Other activities in December included promotional events in Copenhagen and Madrid where regional authorities presented Central Macedonia to tour operators, influencers and journalists.

According to Thanos, the region aims to “educate” travelers that Greece has more to show beyond its islands, such as experiences offered at Mount Olympus; in the turquoise waters of Halkidiki, in Ancient Pella and at Lake Kerkini; and at the wineries of Naoussa and Goumenissa.

“We present Central Macedonia’s thematic tourism offerings through new promotional material, under a new brand name and with various actions such as digital marketing, media promotion and activities taking place abroad,” Thanos concluded.