26 January 2016

The 26th and best-ever Agrotica begins!

The 26th Agrotica, open at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre from January 28 to 31 will be the best in the history of the institution. This year’s event achieved a record number of participations, with over 1,500 exhibitors, as compared to 1,349 exhibitors at the 2014 Agrotica, and covers an exhibition area of 34,000 square metres, as compared to 30,929 square metres at the previous event. Additionally, this year’s Agrotica will be welcoming a record number of countries represented by exhibitors, with a total of 41, as compared to 35 in 2014. The number of foreign exhibitors came to 882, as compared to 817 at the previous event.

The national exhibition agency has also invited and is hosting hosted buyers from Cyprus, Iraq, Lebanon, Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Ukraine, Turkey, Egypt and Serbia, who will attend B2B meetings.

The 26th International Fair for Agricultural Machinery, Equipment & Supplies will be inaugurated by the Minister of Rural Development & Food, Mr Vangelis Apostolou, on Thursday, 28 January, at 19.00 at ‘I. Vellidis’ Congress Centre.

The President of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Tassos Tzikas, underlined the international character of this year’s Agrotica during today’s Press Conference, referring to a multi-event that, apart from the exhibition element, includes numerous events spearheaded by the 6th Pan-Hellenic Conference on the fruit & vegetable sector. In reference to the farmer demonstrations underway, he noted that farmers love and support Agrotica because it is their Fair.

According to the CEO of the national exhibition agency, Mr Kyriakos Pozrikidis, Agrotica is among the top five agricultural exhibitions in Europe; adding a dimension of scale to the dimensions of this year’s Fair, Mr Pozrikidis added characteristically: “There is not even attic space left vacant at the exhibition centre”.

The Machinery Importers’ – Representatives’ Association (SEAM) is participating in this year’s Agrotica with over 12,000 square metres of exhibition space and a massive presence, against the flow of the crisis, as noted by the President of the Association, Mr Savvas Balouktsis, who explained that the Association is participating in order to present new machinery, support the Fair and bring enterprises in touch with their customers. Asked about the status of the sector, he noted that in 2015, the drop in agricultural machinery sales and particularly tractors was 18% and estimated that it would exceed 30% in 2016.

In turn, the Greek Association of Manufacturers of Agricultural Machinery (EKAGEM), participating with 89 direct exhibitors and over 300 indirect exhibitors, is covering over 8,000 square metres of exhibition space, according to its Vice-President, Mr Andreas Koutsokostas, who invited farmers to visit the Fair, the only one for the agricultural sector.

The Vice-President of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Lazaros Lazaridis, noted that Agrotica would be at the epicentre of the country’s agricultural life over the next few days and wished good sales to the exhibitors. Finally, the Project Manager of Agrotica, Mr Vassilis Spirou, noted that the agricultural supplies sector has returned and is participating almost in its entirety, with the presence of large multinational companies that had not attended the Fair in a long time.

Numerous associations, organisations and agencies are participating in this year’s Agrotica. Apart from the competent Ministry of Rural Development & Food, participants include EKAGEM and SEAM, which are supporters of the Fair, the Pan-Hellenic Union of Young Farmers, the Hellenic Fertilizer Association, the Farmers’ Union, the Agricultural Association of Macedonia and others.

At this year’s Agrotica, there will be free parking for the entire duration of the Fair at OLTH (Thessaloniki Port Authority) premises; this will be extended during the weekend to within AUTH (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki).

This year’s Fair is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and the Ministry of Interior and Administrative Reconstruction (Macedonia-Thrace).

27/01/2016 – 18:16

Μεγάλη προσέλευση συνέδρων και οργανωτική επιτυχία για το Destination Thessaloniki

H ανάδειξη της δυναμικής που αναπτύσσεται από τις εναλλακτικές μορφές τουρισμού τόσο στην Θεσσαλονίκη, όσο και στην ευρύτερη περιοχή καθόλη τη διάρκεια του έτους, οι πρωτοβουλίες που έχουν υλοποιηθεί προς αυτή την κατεύθυνση και τα επιτυχημένα παραδείγματα ξένων πόλεων, βρέθηκαν στο επίκεντρο του συνεδρίου Destination Thessaloniki: 365 days of Μeetings, Studies, Sports, Cruises and Health, που έγινε στις 13 Νοεμβρίου στην αίθουσα εκδηλώσεων του Διεθνούς Εκθεσιακού Κέντρου Θεσσαλονίκης, «Αιμίλιος Ριάδης».

Το συνέδριο το οποίο παρακολούθησαν πάνω από 400 άτομα αποτέλεσε συνδιοργάνωση της ΔΕΘ-Helexpo, του Υπουργείου Οικονομίας, Ανάπτυξης και Τουρισμού και του ΕΟΤ, ενώ πραγματοποιήθηκε στο πλαίσιο των εκθέσεων PHILOXENIA, HOTELIA και POLIS.

Το Destination Thessaloniki ήταν υπό την αιγίδα του Υπουργείου Εσωτερικών & Διοικητικής Ανασυγκρότησης (Μακεδονίας-Θράκης), της Περιφέρειας Κεντρικής Μακεδονίας και του Δήμου Θεσσαλονίκης, ενώ υποστηρίχθηκε από το Thessaloniki Convention Bureau, τον Οργανισμό Τουριστικής Προβολής και Μάρκετινγκ Νομού Θεσσαλονίκης και τον Ιατρικό Σύλλογο Θεσσαλονίκης.

Μέγας Χορηγός του ήταν ο Οργανισμός Λιμένος Θεσσαλονίκης ΑΕ και χορηγός η εταιρεία Εllinair του ομίλου Μουζενίδη.

Οι διακεκριμένοι Έλληνες και ξένοι ομιλητές του Destination Thessaloniki παρουσίασαν τον στρατηγικό σχεδιασμό και τις καλές πρακτικές, που χρησιμοποίησαν, για να αποκομίσουν αποτελέσματα ή να προωθήσουν δράσεις στο πεδίο εναλλακτικών μορφών τουρισμού, όπως ο  συνεδριακός, εκπαιδευτικός, αθλητικός, ιατρικός και ο τουρισμός κρουαζιέρας.

Ειδικά για τη Θεσσαλονίκη, υπογραμμίστηκε η μεγάλη προσπάθεια που καταβάλλεται για να τοποθετηθεί η πόλη στον παγκόσμιο τουριστικό χάρτη, αξιοποιώντας τις εναλλακτικές μορφές τουρισμού και επιτυγχάνοντας επισκεψιμότητα για 365 ημέρες.

Ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον παρουσιάζει η δημιουργία νέων «ταυτοτήτων» για την πόλη, με την ανάδειξη καινούργιων θεματικών εναλλακτικού τουρισμού και αναψυχής, όπως οι δράσεις, που αφορούν στη μετατροπή της Θεσσαλονίκης σε μεσογειακό κόμβο σπουδών (educational hub) με την πρωτοβουλία «Study in Thessaloniki» ή η καθιέρωση της σε προορισμό υπηρεσιών υγείας (Health Tourism Destination).

Ακόμη, στις τουριστικές προοπτικές της Μεσογείου και στον ανταγωνισμό που δέχεται από αναδυόμενους προορισμούς αναφέρθηκε το διευθυντικό στέλεχος του Παγκόσμιου Οργανισμού Τουρισμού, κα Esencan Terzibasoglu, ενώ τη δημιουργία ελκυστικών πόλεων-προορισμών, κάτι που απαιτεί όμως την ύπαρξη υποδομών, τόνισε το μέλος του Δ.Σ του European Cities Marketing (EMC), κ. Pier Paolo Mariotti.

Τις ομοιότητες, αλλά και τις διαφορές, ανάμεσα στη Βαρκελώνη και στη Θεσσαλονίκη, υπογράμμισε το διευθυντικό στέλεχος του Γραφείου Συνεδρίων της ισπανικής πόλης, κα Elena Altemir, ενώ τη σύνδεση υψηλής τεχνολογίας και τουρισμού περιέγραψε η κα Sharon Landes Fischer, επικεφαλής τουριστικών υπηρεσιών του οργανισμού Tel Aviv Global & Tourism.

Για τη «συνάντηση» του τουρισμού με την εκπαίδευση τοποθετήθηκαν η κα. Ιωάννα Μυταυτσή, του Τμήματος Τουρισμού του Δήμου Θεσσαλονίκης, η κα. Δέσποινα Ι. Κλαβανίδου Καθηγήτρια, Αναπληρώτρια Πρύτανη Προγραμματισμού και Ανάπτυξης, Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης, ο κ. Βλάσιος Βλασίδης Επίκουρος Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Βαλκανικών, Σλαβικών και Ανατολικών Σπουδών, Σχολή Οικονομικών και Περιφερειακών Σπουδών, Πανεπιστήμιο Μακεδονίαs, ο κ. Ιωάννης Κώνστας Διοικητικός Διευθυντής Εκπαίδευσης, Διεθνές Πανεπιστήμιο της Ελλάδος, ο Δρ Ευάγγελος Χρήστου, καθηγητής Τουριστικού Μάρκετινγκ, A ΤΕΙ Θεσσαλονίκης, η κα. Ρούλα Λεμπετλή, Director of Αdmissions, Αμερικανικό Κολλέγιο Θεσσαλονίκης (ACT), ο κ. Γρηγόρης Σούγγαρης Recruitment & Admissions Coordinator, Αμερικάνικη Γεωργική Σχολή, Perrotis College, ο Δρ Ιωάννης Καναράκης Υπεύθυνος του Τμήματος Αγγλικής Φιλολογίας του Κολλεγίου DEI, ο κ. Γρηγόρης Δικαίος, Director of Recruitment, The University of Sheffield International Faculty, CITY College, ο Δρ Ευάγγελος Κονταξάκης, Διευθυντής του Mητροπολιτικού Κολλεγίου Θεσσαλονίκης και ο κ. Σπήλιος Αριστοτελίδης, Διευθυντής Μεταπτυχιακών Προγραμμάτων, New York College.

Η στρατηγική προσέγγιση του δωδεκάμηνου τουρισμού με αθλητικές δραστηριότητες, καθώς και οι σχετικές διεθνείς εμπειρίες και πρακτικές, αναλύθηκαν από τους κ.κ.: Χρήστο Πετρέα, Οικονομολόγο, Σύμβουλο σε θέματα τουριστικής και περιφερειακής ανάπτυξης, μέλος ΔΣ του Ινστιτούτου Διεθνούς και Ελληνικού Αθλητικού Δικαίου – ΙΔΕΑΔ, Γιάννη Ποδιώτη Οικονομολόγο, Γ. Γραμματέα Μ.Ε.Α.Σ ΤΡΙΤΩΝ Θεσσαλονίκης, Αχιλλέα E. Τζίμα μέλος Εθνικής Ομάδας Ιστιοσανίδας, Προπονητής Ιστιοπλοΐας, συνιδρυτής Project “Sports Tourism Greece” και Άρη Νίκα Πρόεδρο του μαραθωνίου “Olympus Marathon”.

Για την προοπτική της Θεσσαλονίκης ως προορισμού κρουαζιέρας τοποθετήθηκαν με τη σειρά τους οι κ.κ. Βασίλης Καραχάλιος υπεύθυνος πωλήσεων για την ελληνική αγορά της Celestyal Cruises, Mιχάλης Νομικός εκπρόσωπος εταιρειών κρουαζιέρας και η Δρ Φιόρη A. Ζαφειροπούλου Λέκτορας Κοινωνικής Επιχειρηματικότητας, Ιδρυτής και Διευθύνων Σύμβουλος των εταιριών, The Nest και SOFFA.

Για τον ιατρικό τουρισμό και τις δυνατότητες της Θεσσαλονίκης σε αυτό το πεδίο απηύθυναν ομιλία οι κ.κ: Δρ Ηλίας Τσάκος Ιατρικός Διευθυντής EmbryoClinic IVF, Νίκος Δουλάμης Διευθύνων Σύμβουλος Eurythmia Medical Network, Γιώργος Αδαμόπουλος Γενικός Διευθυντής του Κέντρου Αποκατάστασης “ΕΥΕΞΙΑ”  και Δρ Νικόλαος Νίτσας Χειρουργός Οφθαλμίατρος, Παιδοφθαλμίατρος, Γενικός Γραμματέας Ιατρικού Συλλόγου Θεσσαλονίκης.

Το πάνελ συντόνισε ο Dr. Aθανάσιος A. Εξαδάκτυλος, Πλαστικός Χειρουργός, Πρόεδρος του Ιατρικού Συλλόγου Θεσσαλονίκης.

Συντονιστής του συνεδρίου ήταν ο κ. Σάκης Παπαδόπουλος, δημοσιογράφος και υπεύθυνος του ενθέτου “Όμορφα Ταξίδια” στην εφημερίδα Μακεδονία. Τις πέντε ενότητες του συνεδρίου συντόνισαν οι Σπύρος Πέγκας, Αντιδήμαρχος Τουρισμού, Διεθνών Σχέσεων και Ηλεκτρονικής Διακυβέρνησης Θεσσαλονίκης, Γρηγόρης Δικαίος, Director of Recruitment City College, Φανή Χαλκιά, Ολυμπιονίκις, Δρ Άγγελος Φ. Βλάχος, μέλος ΔΣ ΟΛΘ/ μέλος ΔΣ ΤΑΙΠΕΔ και ο Δρ. Aθανάσιος A. Εξαδάκτυλος, Πλαστικός Χειρουργός, Πρόεδρος του Ιατρικού Συλλόγου Θεσσαλονίκης.

Τέλος, στο μεγάλο διάλειμμα του συνεδρίου ένα χορευτικό δίδυμο χάρισε μια ευχάριστη «έκρηξη» στους συμμετέχοντες με μια mini επίδειξη χορού, η οποία προϊδέασε για το διεθνές γεγονός, Thessaloniki Dance Festival (TDF) που θα διεξαχθεί στη Θεσσαλονίκη από τις 9-10 Απριλίου 2016 και αποτελεί μια συνδιοργάνωση της ΔΕΘ-Helexpo και της Σχολής Χορού All Star Dance.

23/11/2015 – 11:15

The Philoxenia-Hotelia-Polis triptych as the epicentre of Greek tourism and regional development

TIF-Helexpo is aiming at establishing the tourism exhibition duo of ‘Philoxenia’ and ‘Hotelia’ as the “heavy artillery” of Greek tourism in South-East Europe, while enhancing the above events with the regional dimension of the ‘Polis’ exhibition. The three exhibitions open on Thursday, 12 November, at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre and will last until 15 November. They are expected to attract the interest of the domestic and international tourism industry.

The scale of this exhibition “triptych”, presented by TIF-Helexpo during today’s Press Conference, has been significantly bolstered this year. More specifically, the number of exhibitors participating in Philoxenia stands at 351, as compared to 232 during last year’s exhibition (coming from Serbia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Egypt, Albania, the Philippines, Azerbaijan, Armenia, FYROM, Indonesia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic and Slovakia), while the exhibition area covered is 25% greater. The number of exhibitors participating in Hotelia stands at 157, as compared to 141 last year, while the number of exhibitors participating in Polis stands at 64, as compared to 36 during the 2013 event.

Philoxenia will welcome 107 foreign hosted buyers coming from 32 countries, who will attend over 3,000 pre-arranged B2B meetings.

The President of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Tassos Tzikas, spoke of essentially ‘rebooting’ Philoxenia: “We are presenting our credentials and hope to pass with flying colours for a renewed, dynamic Philoxenia”, he stressed.

This year’s 31st Philoxenia is making a quantum leap, according to the CEO of the national exhibition agency, Mr Kyriakos Pozrikidis, who predicted visitor numbers in the five figures.

The alternate Regional Governor of Central Macedonia, Mr Yiannis Yiorgos, noted that during these four days, Thessaloniki will be at the focus of tourism interest in the country and that the Region could not miss the event, given its strategic plan for tourism.

In turn, Mr Nikos Koufotolis, the director of the office of the Deputy Minister of the Interior and Administrative Reconstruction (Macedonia-Thrace), Ms Maria Kollia-Tsaroucha, spoke about the Ministry’s goal of strengthening its cooperation with the national exhibition agency on all levels.

Finally, according to the deputy general director of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Alexis Tsaxirlis, this year’s “triple” event is raising the bar, with the expectation that next year will see the largest tourism exhibition in the history of the institution.

Philoxenia, Hotelia and Polis will be inaugurated on Thursday, 12 November at 19:30 by the Alternate Minister of Economy, Development and Tourism, Ms Elena Kountoura, and the Deputy Minister of the Interior and Administrative Reconstruction (Macedonia-Thrace), Ms Maria Kollia-Tsaroucha.

Philoxenia and Ηotelia are being held under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior and Administrative Reconstruction, the Greek National Tourism Orgnisation (EOT), as well as all the major tourism agencies of the country, such as the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (XEE), the Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies (HATTA), the Pan-Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX) and the Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organisers (HAPCO). Polis is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior and Administrative Reconstruction, the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece and the Union of Greek Regions.

Highlights of the exhibitions include the ‘DPOINT Hotel Village’, a “neighbourhood” dedicated to hotel design, decoration and renovation, the event titled ‘The Art of Drinking Coffee & Spirits’, focusing on the art of preparing coffee, cocktails and beverages, with the participation of acclaimed bartenders and mixologists from Greece and around the world, as well as the large, highly anticipated conference titled ‘Destination Thessaloniki: 365 days of Meetings, Studies, Sports, Cruises and Health’, to be held on 13 November within the framework of Philoxenia parallel events.

During the three exhibitions, parking will be free for exhibitors and visitors within the International Exhibition Centre (entering from the Commercial Entrance).

The official bank of TIF-Helexpo is the National Bank of Greece, the sponsor of Philoxenia is the Samaras & Associates company group, the supporter is Egnatia Odos SA and the associate is Ιnteriors from Greece.

PARALLEL EVENTS PROGRAMME  (PDF format)

13/11/2015 – 11:12

How can Thessaloniki become a dynamic tourist destination in the Mediterranean? Where do tourism and education meet? Can recreational athletic activities bring a city to life 12 months a year? Which forms of medical tourism became a success story in Thessaloniki? Are there prospects for the flourishing of cruise tourism?

The growth of tourism and its alternative forms will be at the epicentre of the conference titled ‘Destination Thessaloniki: 365 days of Meetings, Studies, Sports, Cruises and Health‘, which will be held on 13 November in the framework of the 31^st ‘Philoxenia’ International Tourism Exhibition.

The conference, which will be held in ‘Emilios Riadis’ event hall at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, is being co-organised by TIF-Helexpo, the Ministry of Economy, Development of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organisation (EOT).

It is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior & Administrative Reconstruction (Macedonia-Thrace), the Region of Central Macedonia and the Municipality of Thessaloniki, with the support of the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau, the Organisation for the Tourism Promotion and Marketing of the Prefecture of Thessaloniki and the Medical Association of Thessaloniki.

The Grand Sponsor is Thessaloniki Port Authority SA and the sponsor is Ellinair airlines, a company of the Mouzenidis Group.

The goal of the conference is to showcase the dynamism of various forms of tourism being developed in Thessaloniki and the broader region throughout the year, contributing to the creation of a modern, competitive destination in South-East Europe and the Mediterranean.

The conference will consists of five sections focusing on alternative forms of tourism (congress, education, sports, medical and cruise tourism), featuring a host of expert speakers.

‘Destination Thessaloniki’ can be attended by tourism professionals and other interested parties, such as students, journalists, etc. Admission is free, with mandatory registration at the reception desk.

06/11/2015 – 13:10

The 30th KOSMIMA ‘dazzled’

The 30^th KOSMIMA, which served as the epicentre of the silver, goldsmith and clock & watch sector for three days, ended yesterday with significantly increased visitor numbers compared to last year, as it welcomed 2,593 visitors in total, marking a 36% increase over the previous event. In fact, on the first day of KOSMIMA, there was a 64% increase in the number of visitors compared to last year’s opening day, as well as a 34% increase during the second day of the exhibition. Over the course of the three days, important contacts were made between exhibitors and Greek and foreign trade visitors.

The 30^th KOSMIMA, organised by TIF-Helexpo, attracted more than 80 exhibitors deployed over an area of 1,800 m². In fact, there was significant renewal of participations, with the reappearance of exhibitors who had not participated in a long time, as well as interest from foreign trade visitors from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Egypt, Hungary, FYROM, Italy, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Russia, Norway, Turkey and the USA.

The 30^th KOSMIMA also featured the 26^th Pan-Hellenic Jewellery Design Competition, with the theme of ‘Coins in Greek History’. There were 14 participations with 20 works in the student category and 5 participations with an equal number of works in the professional category. First place was won by Aspassia Papazissi of the GALILEO EES (Liberal Arts College), second place was shared by Eleftheria Valaskatzi Polydorou and Christina Kastanio Alonso of the Cultural Association of the Municipality of Nea Smyrni, while third place was won by Konstantinos Vasdokas of the MOKUME IIEK (Private Vocational Training Foundation).

Awards were also presented to the students Georgia Deliyianni (Volos KEPKA-DIEKD), Iris Karayianni (1^st Silver- and Goldsmith EPA.S. [Vocational School] of Stemnitsa), Vassiliki Davari (GALILEO EES), Marianthi Lettieri Kariki (MOKUME IIEK) and Konstantina Lambrou (1^st Silver- and Goldsmith EPA.S. of Stemnitsa), as well as the professional Sophia Hatzina (architectural engineer). The designs of all participants were presented at KOSMIMA.

The 30^th was held under the auspices of the Pan-Hellenic Federation of Silver- and Goldsmiths, Jewellers and Watchmakers (POVAKO).

04/11/2015 – 12:46

The exhibition duo of ‘Philoxenia’ and ‘Hotelia’, to be held from 12 to 15 November at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre alongside the 10^th ‘Polis’ International Exhibition for Local Government, Public and Social Sector & Private Enterprises, aims at sending a message of growth and upgrading of the country’s tourism product.

The recipients of the message of ‘Philoxenia’ and ‘Hotelia’ are Greek hotel and tourism enterprises, as well as professionals active in the broader field of accommodation and catering.

The two exhibitions, which will welcome over 100 hosted buyers (trade visitors invited to attend) from 30 countries, will feature events with an international character, such as ‘The Art of Drinking Coffee & Spirits’, an original, innovative event dedicated to the art of preparing coffee and mixing cocktails and beverages. Further information regarding the event can be found at the following link: (http://hotelia.helexpo.gr/hotelia/el/2015_The_Art_Of_Drinking)

The goal of ‘The Art of Drinking Coffee & Spirits’ is to communicate to Greek tourism professionals that they must not merely offer a product, but a complete experience of values and top-level services.

Acclaimed bartenders and mixologists from Greece and around the globe will dramatically prepare and serve their creations, setting an exceptional stage that will impress every catering professional.

Internationally renowned mixologists Marian and και Luca Cinalli of the award-winning London  speakeasy ‘Νightjar’, the two head bartenders of Dry Martini World, Lorenzo Miglietta and Nelson Alexandre Dos Anjos, the Greek mixologist Alexandros Mavrikis and others will showcase their cocktails, adding a different dimension to the event titled ‘The Art of Drinking’.

The coffee event will feature Apostolos Plahouras (representing Nespresso) as a guest.

Admission to the event is free, but anyone interested in attending must register online at the ‘Hotelia’ website: http://hotelia.helexpo.gr (the maximum capacity for each seminar of ‘The Art of Drinking’ is 100 and an order of priority will be kept).

Other events to be held in the framework of ‘Hotelia’ include ‘DPOINT Hotel Village’, which is dedicated to the design, decoration and renovation of hotels; this is, in essence, a ‘neighbourhood’ consisting of top brands and creators aiming at showcasing modern hospitality.

The point of reference and ‘nucleus’ of this year’s event is the presentation of an ambitious presentation titled ‘Greek Hospitality Design Spirit’, under the design supervision of Minas Kosmidis (architectural engineer), Sotiris Lazos (industrial designer) and Andreas Varotsos (industrial designer). This project will take visitors on a tour of the 4 seasons of the year, starting in the Greek mountains and ending at our country’s wonderful seaside.

The goal of the ‘Greek Hospitality Design Spirit’ team is to communicate to Greek tourism professionals that design can serve as a powerful ‘weapon’ in the context of improving hospitality services, for the purpose of attracting high quality visitors to our country.

Finally, the schedule will include ‘DPOINT Conferences’, i.e. a series of speeches on design and renovation for hotels and catering enterprises.

03/11/2015 – 13:05

The precious world of the KOSMIMA exhibition is preparing to open its gates from 31 October to 2 November 2015 at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre. The 30^th annual exhibition of the jewellery and clock-watch sector, organised by TIF-Helexpo, is a meeting point for professionals who wish to receive information and renew their collections for the Christmas season.

Over 70 of the best-known companies of the sector are participating in the exhibition, which will be visited by hosted buyers from Lebanon, Cyprus, Russia, FYROM, Egypt and the Netherlands.

KOSMIMA 2015 is also hosting the 26^th Jewellery Design Competition, an institution that aims at highlighting the creativity of young artists of the sector and, by extension, at contributing to the growth of Greek jewellery. The competition  is being organised by the Pan-Hellenic Federation of Silver- and Goldsmiths, Jewellers and Watchmakers (POVAKO), in cooperation with TIF-Helexpo. The theme of this year’s competition is inspired by coins, as they appear throughout the long history of Greece. Students of silver- and goldsmithing schools, design school students, professional designers, creators, design teams or companies, etc. that are involved in jewellery design in an amateur or professional capacity have the right to participate in the competition.

It should be noted that KOSMIMA is being held under the auspices of POVAKO.

15/10/2015 – 17:31

The pulse of the domestic and international tourism industry will be racing at the Philoxenia and Hotelia exhibitions, to be held at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre from 12 to 15 November 2015, along with the 10th Polis, which will bring together participants representing the entire field of local government from all over Greece.

The 31st Philoxenia International Tourism Exhibition and the Hotelia International Hotel Equipment Exhibition are strengthening their professional character and are being upgraded this year, attracting over 100 hosted buyers (trade visitors invited to attend the exhibitions) from 30 countries.

On the other hand, Polis has the support of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece, enabling visitors to become acquainted with all the latest development in service provision and product manufacturing, aiming at serving citizens and improving their quality of life.

The simultaneous realisation of Philoxenia, Hotelia and Polis is an opportunity to present all domestic tourism destinations, as well as the new technologies, services and products of the modern hotel industry.

The international character of the exhibitions is also enhanced thanks to the participation of exhibitors from Turkey, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Armenia, FYROM, Indonesia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Hotelia is expanding to new exhibit categories this year, adapting to the needs of professionals active in the hotel sector and, more specifically, in catering and ‘café catering’. In this context, the exhibition is focusing on furniture-decoration (design & renovation) technology and security services (technologies) and hygiene and sanitation equipment (clean & maintain).

The parallel events of the three exhibitions include the Philoxenia conference titled ‘Destination Thessaloniki’, on the subject of the city of Thessaloniki as a destination, examining targeted forms of tourism that guarantee growth 365 days a year.

Another outstanding event to be held in the framework of Hotelia is ‘DPOINT Hotel Village’, which is dedicated to hotel design, decoration and renovation, ‘Coffee Point’, which will focus on the art of bartending, and ‘Bar Point’, which will highlight the art of the cocktail. The schedule also includes ‘DPOINT Conferences’, i.e. a number of speeches on the renovation and design of hotels, as well as catering establishments.

At Polis, representatives from all the Regions and Municipalities of the country will have the opportunity to present good practices on various timely issues concerning local government.

Finally, it should be noted that Philoxenia is providing numerous solutions for exhibitors, with either large or small (mini booth) spaces of exceptional aesthetics that adapt to the product and service presentation needs of each exhibitor.

12/10/2015 – 11:27

216,364 visitors at the 80th TIF Event

The 80^th TIF event notched top numbers of visitors; the public got carried away by the festive air of this anniversary event. For the second consecutive year, the Fair cleared the barrier of 200,000 visitors, achieving six-digit figures, despite the harsh economic conditions and the adversities of recent years. Thessaloniki stood by its Fair: 216,364 visitors entered the gates of the 80^th anniversary event. People responded enthusiastically to the invitation of TIF-HELEXPO with its rich programme, featuring all sorts of shows, blending commerce and business with culture, entertainment and social solidarity. It is indicative that approximately 170,000 people visited the ‘Enchanted’ statues, which literally cast a spell over the public.

TIF-HELEXPO administration and employees would like to thank all participants in the 80^th TIF event who celebrated its ‘birthday’ organised by the national exhibition agency in such dire circumstances. The countdown has already started for the 81^st TIF event.

Pavilion 3, where the ‘Enchanted’ welcomed visitors, also held the exhibition titled ‘The most important inventions and musical instruments of Ancient Greece’. This will close for a short period for maintenance works and will re-open in early October. The exhibition of ancient inventions and musical instruments will be open for school visits at a small admission fee, while the ‘Enchanted’ can be visited free of charge and will remain in the city, at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, until the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the central municipality and competent agencies, decides the venue where they will be placed.  At that time, TIF-HELEXPO will donate the statues to the city. The working hours of Pavilion 3 will be announced soon.

18/09/2015 – 14:49

This year’s anniversary 80th TIF will prove itself worthy of its 80-year history, as it managed, in the midst of difficult circumstances, to attract approximately 1,000 exhibitors and 13 official international participations, and to cover more exhibition space than last year.

During today’s Press Conference on the 80th TIF, held under the gaze of the ‘Enchanted’ statutes in Pavilion 3, officially presented for the first time, the celebratory character of this year’s TIF was underlined, as it harmoniously combined business, culture, recreation and social solidarity. 

Exhibitor participation in the 80th TIF is almost equal to last year’s attendance, while the exhibition space covered is greater than in 2014, with 26,624 sq.m. as compared to 25,931 sq.m. There are 13 official international participations, coming from Cyprus, Armenia, Slovakia, Indonesia, South Africa, Luxembourg, Vietnam, Thailand, FYROM, Russia, Azerbaijan, India and Poland.

The 80th TIF will be inaugurated tomorrow, Friday, 4 September, at 20:00 by the President of the Republic, Mr Prokopis Pavlopoulos, at ‘I. Vellidis’ Congress Centre. An hour earlier, at 19.00, the Prime Minister, Mrs Vassiliki Thanou, will inaugurate the exhibition of the ‘Enchanted’ at Pavilion 3 of Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre.

The President of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Tassos Tzikas, stressed the dynamism that TIF has acquired in the past two years, making every effort to prevent cancellations in the midst of capital controls and to ensure significant numbers at the 80th TIF. At the same time, he underlined the support of the Chambers and the close cooperation with the Union of Hellenic Chambers. He also noted the top moment of the Fair, the arrival of the ‘Enchanted’ statues to their birthplace.

“We will be opening all the Pavilions. The Fair is greater than ever before and will go exceedingly well. Every night at TIF will be a party”, noted the CEO of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Kyriakos Pozrikidis. In reference to the difficult times in the history of TIF, he stressed that there have been much greater obstacles in its past, stating that the Fair will continue, unwavering and faithful to its heritage.

The Deputy Minister of Interior and Administrative Reconstruction (Macedonia-Thrace), Mr Filippos Tsalidis, declared his support for this year’s TIF, which, in his words, will make a difference. “The Ministry will stand by the efforts made by the national exhibition agency to keep the flag flying for the best-loved institution in Thessaloniki and beyond”, he stated.

The CEO of OLTH SA, Mr Dimitris Makris, announced the decision to provide 5 stremmas (app. 1.24 acres) on the 2nd Pier of the Port of Thessaloniki for the free parking of visitors to the 80th TIF, who will be transported to the Fair using vehicles situated there. Mr Makris expressed his support for all the endeavours of the national exhibition agency.

The Vice-President of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Kostas Dimou, underlined the breath of air that TIF provides for the economy of Thessaloniki, while the Deputy General Director of the national exhibition agency, Mr Alexis Tsaxirlis, stressed that with the help of the good weather and according to the messages received by the Fair so far, visitor numbers are expected to meet or even surpass last year’s levels.

The 80th TIF is hosting 14 thematic events that cover every aspect of domestic production and entrepreneurship. As for the remaining ‘menu’, it includes:

• The exhibition titled ‘The most important inventions of the ancient Greeks’ from the ‘Kostas Kotsanas’ Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, to be hosted in Pavilion 3 until 5 January 2016.
• The Choco Factory and Museum, which will open its doors once more during TIF for the young and older friends of chocolate.
• Concerts every night at the YMCA arch stage, where Greek music stars will give it all they have.
• The Theatre Festival for Children and Adolescents, during which amateur troupes will compete for the first time, staging children’s theatre performances.
• The Music Band Festival, which is being held for the 3rd consecutive year and will feature bands presenting their work.
• Cheapart, which will host original works by dozens of artists that can be purchased by TIF visitors at very affordable prices.
• e-GAMING, the largest gaming event held in the Balkans, which will take place in Pavilion 17.
• The collection of racing cars from the ‘Hellenic Motor Museum’, which belongs to the Theodoros Haragionis Foundation, AOTH (Thessaloniki Motor Club) and the private collection of Mr Elias Loggos.
• The ‘DETH-ite’ initiative with volunteering and a blood drive.
• The 1st ‘MYSTICON’ Thessaloniki Mystery Festival, an entertaining escape and role-playing game that will reward participants with three days of mystery and interaction, in cooperation with the Tourism Department of the Municipality of Thessaloniki.

As regards the pricing policy, the general admission will be 3 euros on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and the family ticket will cost 10 euros. On the remaining days, general admission will be 5 euros and the family ticket will cost 15 euros. For multi-member families and disabled persons, admission will be 3 euros regardless of the day. At the same time, anyone who is 80 years old or was born in 1980 can enjoy free admission to this year’s TIF.

The official bank is the National Bank of Greece.

The major event of the arrival of the ‘Enchanted’ is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of Interior & Administrative Reconstruction, the Ministry of Culture, Education & Religious Affairs and the Municipality of Thessaloniki, and is supported by Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Thessaloniki Port Authority, the Professionals’ Chamber of Thessaloniki and Thessaloniki Water Supply & Sewerage Co.

The concerts (Music Events Live) are being co-organised by TIF-Helexpo and 95.1 Cosmoradio, as well as Ecopolis Cultural Actions. The hospitality sponsor of the concerts is Grand Hotel Palace, the sponsor of the parallel events is THESgala, while thanks are given to the Traders’ Association of Thessaloniki and Egnatia Odos SA for their support

05/09/2015 – 12:28