57% Increase in International Trade Visitors from 41 Countries

The 39th International Tourism & Hotel Equipment Exhibition, Philoxenia-Hotelia, showcased its strong international focus this year, attracting significant players from abroad alongside the domestic tourism sector. International trade visitors from 41 countries increased by 57% compared to last year. Additionally, the number of meetings between hosted buyers and exhibitors far exceeded 4,000.

Held from November 14 to 16 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center, Greece, Philoxenia-Hotelia featured 342 exhibitors from Greece and 24 foreign countries, covering 12,000 sq.m. across four pavilions. International participation included countries such as Armenia, Luxembourg, Indonesia, the Philippines, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Portugal, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Kosovo, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Albania, Italy, Morocco, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Moldova, Cuba, and Indian Ocean nations (22 companies from Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles). Notably, Moldova, Cuba, and Indian Ocean countries participated for the first time.

The exhibition welcomed over 140 full-hosted buyers from 36 countries, alongside two business delegations of 80 participants from North Macedonia and Bulgaria. Beyond trade visitors, high-ranking officials from foreign tourism organizations also attended, including representatives from Moldova, Serbia, Albania, Cuba, and Jordan, as well as a large delegation from Kosovo.

The Municipality of Didymoteicho, the Honored Destination of this year’s exhibition, captured visitors’ interest by showcasing its cultural, historical, and culinary richness.

For the first time, the Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development (HOCRED) participated in Philoxenia-Hotelia as a strategic partner, introducing emerging cultural destinations and highlighting the close connection between culture and tourism. This theme inspired the exhibition’s conference, titled “Experience. Culture. Everywhere. – Connecting the Dots”, which was co-organized by HOCRED and TIF-HELEXPO and drew a large audience.

Philoxenia-Hotelia also attracted individual visitors, offering them the opportunity to explore a wide range of vacation options and participate in raffles featuring valuable prizes donated by tourism and hospitality businesses.

Key Sponsors and Partners

The conference’s hosting sponsor was Fraport, while TAXIWAY served as the “Safe Transportation Partner.” The Thessaloniki Tourism Organization sponsored city tours for hosted buyers, and the International Hellenic University supported the B2B meeting program with volunteers. Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development (H.O.C.RE.D.) was the exhibition’s strategic partner. Philoxenia-Hotelia was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Interior (Macedonia-Thrace Sector), Central Macedonia Region, Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers (HAPCO), and Federation of Hellenic Associations of Travel & Tourist Agencies (FEDHATTA).

A Sustainable Event

Philoxenia-Hotelia was a Zero Waste exhibition, continuing its commitment to sustainability.

Business Missions Planned for Greece and the U.S. in 2025

TIF-HELEXPO has signed a Memorandum of Understanfing with Hermes Expo International as part of its strategic initiative to expand its international network and promote the global presence of Greek businesses.

The MOU, signed at the TIF-HELEXPO premises by its President, Mr. Tasos Tzikas, CEO Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis, and Hermes Expo International CEO Mr. Paul Kotrotsios, outlines mutual areas of cooperation. These include the exchange of expertise, organization of business missions, participation in exhibitions, reciprocal recruitment of exhibitors, and broader collaborative efforts to the benefit of both parties.

This agreement strengthens the relationship between the two organizations, which have a history of collaboration, and opens new opportunities for reciprocal business and trade missions participating in exhibitions in both Greece and the United States.

In 2025, as part of this partnership, Greek businesses are expected to participate in the Networking Business Expo on June 25 in New Jersey, USA, where targeted B2B meetings with American companies will be held.

Similarly, a business mission comprising American and Greek-American companies will be organized to take part in the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) in September 2025, further enhancing bilateral business ties.

12,000 sq.m. across 4 exhibition pavilions

10% increase in foreign exhibitor space and direct foreign participation

Honored Destination: Municipality of Didymoteicho

The 39th International Tourism and Hotel Equipment Exhibition, Philoxenia-Hotelia, will open its doors on Thursday, November 14, at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center, Greece, running until Saturday, November 16. This year, with a 10% increase in foreign exhibitor space and direct international participation, the exhibition features 342 exhibitors from Greece and 24 other countries, spanning 12,000 sq.m. across 4 pavilions. With the Municipality of Didymoteicho as the Honored Destination, Philoxenia-Hotelia is set to host over 4,000 scheduled meetings between exhibitors and hosted buyers.

The international exhibitors come from Armenia, Luxembourg, Indonesia, the Philippines, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Portugal, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Kosovo, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Albania, Italy, Morocco, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Moldova, Cuba, and Indian Ocean countries, including 22 tourism companies from Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Notably, Moldova, Cuba, and the Indian Ocean countries are joining the exhibition for the first time.

Over 140 full-hosted buyers from 36 countries are expected, alongside two business delegations from North Macedonia and Bulgaria, totaling around 80 participants. A specialized guest program for cultural tourism has also been launched for international visitors.

The Philoxenia-Hotelia’s Conference, titled “Experience. Culture. Everywhere. – Connecting the Dots”, will delve into the interconnection between Tourism and Culture, focusing on how cultural heritage supports sustainable tourism destinations. The conference will be held on Friday, November 15, in Pavilion 14, organized by the Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development (H.O.C.RE.D.), and TIF-HELEXPO, highlighting H.O.C.RE.D.’s “Hellenic Heritage” initiative.

This year’s cultural lineup also includes the “Philoxenia & Culture” photography exhibition and competition, presented by the Greek Instagramers Events Social Media & Culture Community, showcasing images that capture the essence of Greece’s culture.

Philoxenia-Hotelia’s exhibitors and supporters include the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization (NTO), the Ministry of Culture, Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, the Hellenic Hotels Federation (HHF), Federation of Hellenic Associations of Travel & Tourist Agencies (FEDHATTA), as well as regions, municipalities, travel destinations, hotels, airlines, shipping companies, travel agencies, and companies in construction, technology, furniture, and renovation.

The exhibition’s rich parallel program includes a seminar titled “Architectural Narratives,” organized by Inn Hotel & Architecture on Saturday, November 16, in Pavilion 12. Throughout the three days of Philoxenia-Hotelia, various parallel events from public and private tourism entities, regional representatives, municipalities, and businesses will take place.

Additionally, the “Thessaloniki Living Experience” initiative will introduce nine hotels in Thessaloniki where guests can enjoy unique experiences in the city, even if they are not staying at these hotels.

Among the parallel events, there will also be a concert dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the restoration of democracy and the invasion of Cyprus by the Mikis Theodorakis Children’s and Youth Orchestra, Municipality of Ampelokipi-Menemeni.

The Thessaloniki #JobFestival 2024 will also be hosted at the “I. Vellidis” Congress Center on November 15 and 16, organized by skywalker.gr, with free admission for visitors.

Philoxenia-Hotelia will be open exclusively for trade visitors on November 14, while on November 15 and 16, it welcomes all visitors interested in exploring their next travel destinations and even winning trips or hotel stays in one of the event’s raffles, featuring numerous prizes provided by tourism and hospitality businesses.

Exhibition Hours:

Thursday: 11:00 – 19:00

Friday & Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00

Press Conference Highlights

Philoxenia-Hotelia is a remarkably outward-looking exhibition, according to TIF-HELEXPO President Mr. Tasos Tzikas, who emphasized its international caliber.

As the Honored Destination, Didymoteicho plans to use Philoxenia-Hotelia as a platform to highlight its history and culture. Mayor Romylos Hatziyiannoglou expressed the municipality’s ambition to change perceptions, stating, “We are not the end of Greece but its beginning.”

Central Macedonia’s Deputy Governor of Tourism, Ms. Vicky Hatzivasiliou, described Philoxenia-Hotelia as a celebration of tourism and the city of Thessaloniki, attracting business interest from the industry. Ms. Nicoletta Divari-Valakou, President of the Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development (H.O.C.RE.D.), discussed the successful collaboration with HELEXPO to explore the symbiotic relationship between tourism and culture.

TIF-HELEXPO CEO Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis highlighted the significance of this year’s exhibition as the most international event following the September Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). Thessaloniki Hotels Association President Andreas Mandrinos praised the city’s improvement efforts in tourism and cleanliness.

Dr. Prodromos Monastriridis, President of the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau (TCB), noted that Philoxenia-Hotelia strengthens Thessaloniki’s presence in conference tourism. General Director of TIF-HELEXPO, Mr. Alexis Tsaxirlis, emphasized the resilience and longevity of Philoxenia, which has remained Greece’s premier tourism exhibition for 40 years.

The Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development (H.O.C.RE.D.), board member Ms. Alexandra Charitatou discussed H.O.C.RE.D.’s, initiatives at Philoxenia-Hotelia.

Sponsors and Strategic Partners

Fraport is the Hosting Sponsor of the Philoxenia-Hotelia Conference, TAXIWAY is the “Safe Transportation & Travel Partner,” and the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization sponsors city tours for hosted buyers. International Hellenic University supports the B2B program with volunteers. Strategic Partner, Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development (H.O.C.RE.D.) organizes the exhibition under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior, Sector of Macedonia and Thrace, Central Macedonia Region, Greek National Tourism Organization (NTO), Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers (HAPCO), and Federation of Hellenic Associations of Travel & Tourist Agencies (FEDHATTA).

Philoxenia-Hotelia is a Zero Waste exhibition.

High Quality and Strong Presence

250 exhibitors from 19 countries, trade visitors from 33 countries, rich parallel events, and targeted B2B meetings.

FOOD & DRINKS by Detrop, held from November 1-3 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center, attracted 10,214 visitors and stood out for its high quality, new design, and dynamic presence. The event was further enhanced by notable exhibitors and a variety of parallel events.

This year’s event offered a comprehensive experience, with diverse thematic sections and activities that met industry professionals’ needs. The participation of high-level trade visitors from 33 countries was a key factor in its success. Professionals and buyers from Greece and abroad had the chance to explore exhibits, meet exhibitors, and consider new business opportunities.

FOOD & DRINKS by Detrop also featured an impressive lineup of parallel events, including seminars, masterclasses, award ceremonies, and presentations by industry experts. These activities allowed participants to learn about the latest trends, technological advancements, and innovative practices, while tastings and informative events fostered knowledge exchange in the field of gastronomy.

The themed lounges of FOOD & DRINKS by Detrop were a significant attraction, allowing visitors to focus on specific product categories. These lounges contributed to the exhibition’s organization and elevated visitor quality and meeting effectiveness.

More than 800 B2B meetings were held in collaboration with the Greek Industries Association and HELEXPO, with strong participation from Greek and international buyers and professionals. These meetings were instrumental in forging new partnerships and strengthening business relations domestically and internationally. This year’s exhibition provided a unique opportunity for growth, networking, and professional development, setting a solid foundation for the industry’s future.

Highlights of FOOD & DRINKS included:

• All About Café: Northern Greece’s largest coffee exhibition, organized by Valenio, featuring the Panhellenic Latte Art ThrowDown Competition 2024.
• The Pairing Bar: A unique tasting experience with exhibitor products from Food & Drinks by Detrop, in partnership with Chef Stories.
• All About Gastronomy: Sections like Herbs & Honey and Dairy attracted significant visitor interest.
• Golden Olive Events: Hosted by the Olive Oil and Olive Friends Club, FILAIOS, with the 3rd Olive Trophies 2024, Olive Oil Bar, olive oil presentations, table olive varieties, and awards.
• International Food Experts’ Awards (FEA): Initiated by Cibum.
• New Project: Gastronomy EXPerience-Taste the Stories: A collaboration with Gruppo FL to connect producers and processors of unique Greek products with top Thessaloniki restaurants.

FOOD & DRINKS by Detrop hosted 250 exhibitors from 19 countries (Greece, Egypt, Bulgaria, Jordan, Cyprus, Hungary, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Spain, Israel, Italy, China, the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Finland). It included the Regions of Central Macedonia, Thessaly, North Aegean, Western Macedonia, and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and welcomed 90 foreign Hosted Buyers and 30 buyers from major supermarket chains.

NOYNOY BARISTA’S GOLD was the Main Sponsor of All About Café, NYMFI was the official Beer of the exhibition, and EVLOGIMENO and MEVGAL were supporters of FOOD & DRINKS by Detrop.

FOOD & DRINKS by Detrop was once again a Zero Waste exhibition.

“Experience. Culture. Everywhere. – Connecting the Dots” is the theme of the Exhibition Conference. The relationship between tourism and culture is showcased through the initiatives of the Cultural Resources Management and Development Organization.

This year, the Conference of the 39th International Tourism and Hotel Equipment Exhibition, Philoxenia Hotelia, will highlight the interconnected and multifaceted relationship between tourism and culture, along with the opportunities for developing sustainable destinations that respect and leverage cultural heritage. The event will take place from November 14-16 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center, organized by TIF-HELEXPO.

Under the title “Experience. Culture. Everywhere. – Connecting the Dots,” the Conference will be held on Friday, November 15, at Pavilion 14 of Philoxenia Hotelia, organized by the Cultural Resources Management and Development Organization (CRMO) and TIF-HELEXPO.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to attend presentations by representatives of the government, academics, archaeologists, cultural sector specialists, and top tourism professionals.

The discussions will focus on culture’s role in local development, growth and outreach opportunities within the cultural sector, prospects for international outreach, and showcasing tourism as a cultural experience. Special emphasis will be placed on the CRMO’s initiative, “Hellenic Heritage.” Notably, this is the first time CRMO is participating in Philoxenia Hotelia, which this year is dedicated to culture.

The Philoxenia Hotelia Conference is part of a broader program of events designed by CRMO, including interactive workshops, screenings, and thematic tours at the stands of the 12 Regions participating in the exhibition.

For more information on the Philoxenia Hotelia Conference, visit: https://www.philoxenia-expo.gr/conference/