Thessalonica is once again in the international spotlight, as the prestigious British newspaper Financial Times (FT Weekend, US edition) dedicates an extensive article to the city, presenting it as one of the top destinations for an autumn getaway in Europe.
In the article titled “Swap Paris and Rome for one of these alternative autumn city breaks”, journalist Lilah Raptopoulos, Head of Audience Engagement (FT US) and host of the podcast Life & Art from FT Weekend, describes Thessaloniki as a city “multi-layered and full of authenticity”, which combines its centuries-old history with a modern, creative and gastronomically rich identity.
Raptopoulos highlights Thessaloniki as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, showcasing its local delicacies, modern cuisine, markets and vibrant cultural life. Special mention is made of the experiences the city offers, from the view of the Thermaikos Gulf and historical monuments, to the small barbershops, workshops and art galleries that make up its modern everyday life.
The President of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization, Stelios Angeloudis, stated:
“The presence of Thessaloniki in the pages of the Financial Times is a significant international recognition. It reinforces the image of our city as a destination with history, flavor and authenticity – characteristics that make it unique in the European tourism scene.”
The visibility of Thessaloniki in one of the most recognized media internationally is particularly important, as the Financial Times is read by an average of 21 million readers worldwide – among them top business executives and high-income travelers.
According to the FT Global Reader Survey 2024/25, 69% of readers are international business travelers, 56% are business decision-makers, and 75% work for international companies – data that further reinforces the value of Thessaloniki’s presence in the newspaper’s pages.
This publication adds to a series of international reports that demonstrate that Thessaloniki has a strong identity and enormous potential. The Thessaloniki Tourism Organization continues to support every initiative to promote the city’s modern, extroverted image.
