Thessaloniki is strengthening existing ties and highlighting its lesser-known cultural wealth to the Turkish market through B2B meetings in Istanbul and participation in the TTI ?zmir exhibition in Izmir.
The Thessaloniki Tourism Organization, with the valuable and practical support of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce, carried out two important initiatives in Turkey in early December, opening a new cycle of synergies and opportunities.
Participation in the 19th International Tourism Exhibition TTI ?zmir (35 December 2025) was a significant effort to familiarise tourism professionals with the broader region, with Thessaloniki at the forefront of efforts to penetrate the Turkish market. The Greek participation was organized by TIFHelexpo for the promotion of the Philoxenia Greece project, contributing simultaneously to the goal of strengthening tourism in Thessaloniki and the wider region.
The pavilion hosted the Region of Central Macedonia and the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization, jointly promoting the unique characteristics and thematic experiences of the area.
Thessaloniki attracted the interest of professionals from Izmir and other major Turkish cities through B2B meetings that highlighted:
the strong city-break profile of the city
its gastronomic experiences
its cultural heritage
its potential for maritime, urban and interurban tourism
The participation laid solid foundations for new commercial collaborations and for boosting tourism flows toward Thessaloniki.
Building Bridges Destinations Beyond Borders in Istanbul
As a strategically important continuation of its presence in Izmir, the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization again with the support and close cooperation of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce also took part on 8 December 2025 in the event Building Bridges: Destinations Beyond Borders Istanbul Edition, held at the headquarters of TURSAB, the leading institutional body of the Turkish travel industry.
The event focused on fostering an open dialogue between Greek and Turkish tourism institutions and professionals. Thessaloniki was presented as an authentically rich destination that combines centuries of history, a wealth of cultural heritage, and a vibrant modern life and city-break experience qualities that significantly enhance its appeal to the travel audience of the neighbouring country.
Meetings with travel agents, media representatives and institutional stakeholders highlighted the positive momentum and the growing willingness for cooperation, confirming that Turkey is a dynamic and increasingly important target market for Thessalonikis tourism.
