The Region of the Ionian Islands, led by the Regional Governor Yiannis Trepeklis, participates in the International Tourism Exhibition IFTM Top Resa, which is being held in Paris from September 23 to 25, at the Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles.
IFTM Top Resa is one of the most important tourism events in Europe, attracting more than 1,500 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, over 32,000 tourism professionals and a total of 50,000 visitors.
The Region of the Ionian Islands is present as a co-exhibitor at the National Pavilion of the Greek National Tourism Organization, showcasing the unique tourism identity of the Ionian Islands. The French market is considered of strategic importance, as visitors from France constitute a traditional tourist pool for the region, with strong historical and cultural ties, but also a particular interest in the culture, architecture and gastronomy of the Ionian Islands.
During his presence in Paris, Mr. Trepeklis had important meetings with tourism stakeholders and actors. Among them were the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, the President of the Greek National Tourist Organization, Angeliki Varela, the Greek Ambassador to France, Antonis Alexandridis, as well as the Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias. At the same time, he had contacts with Ionian entrepreneurs and tourism professionals who are active in France.
The Governor of the Ionian Islands stated characteristically: “Our strategy focuses on strengthening the presence of the Ionian Islands in international markets with a strong profile. The French market is a point of reference for us, as it is linked to long-standing bonds of friendship and culture. Through targeted actions, we aspire to further strengthen our tourism footprint, promoting the Ionian Islands as a destination that combines authenticity, quality and sustainability.”
The extroversion strategy will continue in 2026, with the Region already planning participation in the International Tourism Fair Salon Mondial du Tourisme Paris (March 12–15, 2026). At the same time, a series of tourism promotion events and actions are planned in the “City of Light”, as well as an advertising campaign with images from the Ionian Islands in dozens of taxis in Paris, further strengthening penetration in the French market.
