Deputy Minister of Tourism Anna Karamanli participated in the 2nd Thessaloniki Investment Forum organized by CNN Greece in Thessaloniki, where she spoke about the role of the city in the country’s new development and tourism model.
The Deputy Minister, referring to the dynamics of the city and the wider region, emphasized that “at this moment Thessaloniki and Northern Greece are the field of a series of dynamic transformations, which aim to elevate the region into a geopolitical and energy hub, to exploit its wealth-producing sources and ultimately to the overall productive reconstruction with a sustainable character.” At the same time, she added that “the crucial thing in all of this is one: that our policies produce real benefit for local communities and their people; those who choose to live, work, do business and create in the place where they were born and raised”.
The central point of her position was the strategic role of tourism for the country but especially for Thessaloniki and Macedonia. As she stated: “Tourism is a strategic pillar of development, progress and extroversion for the country. It supports employment, strengthens local economies, creates income and opportunities and is a force for qualitative transformation, when properly linked to culture, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development”.
Presenting the latest data from the Bank of Greece for the period January-September 2025, she stressed that Greek tourism continues to record historic performances. Focusing specifically on Northern Greece, she underlined that the Region of Central Macedonia “remains firmly among the 5 flagship Regions of Greek tourism”, while the “Macedonia” airport and the cruise sector recorded impressive growth, with cruise arrivals in 2024 “increasing by 105% in just one year”.
Ms. Karamanli described Thessaloniki as a strategic hub for Greek tourism, with a rich multi-thematic product, noting: “Thessaloniki comes to us with strength from the Greek North and unfolds one by one its comparative advantages: uninterrupted historical presence, strategic geopolitical position, vast cultural reserve, rich religious tradition – with 15 of its early Christian and Byzantine monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the first Greek city to achieve its inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Network. From fine dining to street food, Thessaloniki’s cuisine is fascinating. The city hosts the International Film Festival, has a vibrant cultural and student life, and exudes a unique energy and love of life.”
He also emphasized that Thessaloniki “is emerging as one of the country’s most powerful city break destinations, simultaneously boosting the development of the surrounding areas,” noting that “increased international air connectivity, the strengthening of cruises, and major infrastructure projects are overall upgrading its position in the international tourism landscape.”
She then referred to the legislative interventions through which the national strategy for tourism is implemented, as well as to the infrastructure projects carried out with funding from the Recovery Fund, placing particular emphasis on those concerning the Region of Central Macedonia.
Mrs. Karamanli also presented the initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism to highlight the religious heritage of the region, noting that it can be transformed into “…a leading pilgrimage destination”.
In closing, the Deputy Minister of Tourism stated “…on the path towards establishing the country as a model of sustainable tourist destination, Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia can play a leading role…”.
