Jet2 announced the largest program in its history for Greece, during a meeting between its CEO, Steve Heapy, and the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, held in the context of the World Travel Market (WTM) in London.
EasyJet, meanwhile, announced that it is considering the creation of a regional hub in Thessaloniki, with year-round flights.
Detailed news reports:
Jet2: 3 million seats and new Greek destinations for 2026
Jet2, a leading tour operator for Greece and one of the most important partners of Greek tourism in the UK market, announced 3 million available seats for 2026 — a record number accompanied by an expansion of its program to 14 Greek destinations.
For the first time, the company is including Samos, the coastal zone of Pieria (Olympus Riviera), and Meganisi in its program, significantly strengthening the distribution of tourist flows and boosting regions beyond the established island destinations.
In the photo: Olga Kefalogianni and GNTO Secretary General Andreas Fiorentinos with Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy.
EasyJet: Year-round flights to Thessaloniki and upgrade to hub
The Minister’s meeting with EasyJet representatives also drew particular interest. They confirmed that, starting in 2026, the airline will operate direct year-round flights from London to Thessaloniki, while also expanding its summer program with seven new routes.
Even more significant is EasyJet’s intention to upgrade Thessaloniki to a regional hub for its flight operations in Southeastern Europe — a development that will strengthen the city’s role as a gateway to Northern Greece and the Balkans. The company’s representatives also referred to EasyJet’s investments in sustainability initiatives in Greece, emphasizing its commitment to emissions reduction and environmentally responsible operations.
“Greece Insights”
As part of the exhibition, the Ministry of Tourism and the GNTO organized a special event titled “Greece Insights,” featuring presentations by the Regional Governor of Attica, Mr. Nikos Hardalias, and the internationally renowned historian and author, Ms. Bettany Hughes.
In her speech at the event, Ms. Kefalogianni emphasized: “Greece has emerged as one of the ten most popular destinations worldwide — the result of strategic planning, targeted investments, and the collective effort of its people, businesses, and local communities.”
She noted that 2024 was a landmark year for Greek tourism, with over 40 million visitors, including cruise passengers. For 2025, even greater momentum is being recorded, with double-digit growth in travel revenues, especially during the shoulder and winter months, confirming Greece’s global appeal and the qualitative upgrade of its tourism offering.
The Minister stated that Greece’s strategy combines growth with respect for the environment and cultural heritage, creating added value for local communities and travelers. The established priorities focus on sustainability, quality, innovation, and the diversification of tourism products, making Greek tourism highly competitive.
She also mentioned that the country is investing in special forms of tourism and promoting infrastructure upgrades aimed at creating a modern, competitive product.
The Minister made special reference to the digital transformation of Greek tourism, emphasizing that “it constitutes a key pillar for enriching the tourism offering and enhancing the visitor experience.”
She further noted that these initiatives will significantly strengthen the link between tourism and culture, showcasing Greece through its monuments, gastronomy, and traditions, while attracting broader segments of tourism demand and potential visitors from new and emerging markets.
The Minister also referred to the importance of local community participation in tourism development. She highlighted the creation of Destination Management and Marketing Organizations (DMMOs) at local and regional levels, promoting public–private cooperation for sustainable destination growth.
She pointed out that the Region of Attica is pioneering the implementation of this new model, which can substantially contribute to more effective management and promotion of destinations. In recent years, she said, tourism in the capital has shown remarkable momentum, with a significant increase in visitor numbers and investments. The collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the Region marks a new era for Athens, its coastal front, and the wider area.
Tourism Ministers’ Summit
Ms. Kefalogianni participated in the Tourism Ministers’ Summit, attended by representatives of the World Tourism Organization and more than 50 ministers. Discussions focused on promoting tourism as a strategic driver of sustainable economic growth through investments, digital transition, and human capital development. In her address, the Minister presented initiatives to upgrade tourism education in Greece. She also referred to continuous training and upskilling/reskilling programs of the Ministry of Tourism, as well as the “My Hospitality” program, implemented in cooperation with the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels for primary school children.
She also took part in a meeting convened by the British Minister, Ms. Stephanie Peacock, with the participation of other European tourism ministers, where she presented Greece’s progress in establishing the National Observatory for Sustainable Tourism Development — an initiative recognized by the OECD as an international best practice.
Interviews with international media
The Minister gave interviews to international media outlets, including Sky News, where she presented the ongoing growth of Greek tourism and the government’s strategy for sustainable and balanced development.
She referred to policies regulating short-term rentals, environmental and cultural heritage protection, and initiatives to extend the tourism season and develop new forms of tourism — such as cultural, gastronomic, and wellness tourism.
