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Philoxenia and Hotelia, once again serving as meeting points for the sector from 10 to 12 November at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, constitute landmark fairs for Greek tourism.
The country's most important tourism exhibition ‘duo’ has recorded an increase in exhibition participations and boasts an upgraded image in both qualitative and quantitative terms, while the international Philoxenia conference, an institution in its own right, this year focuses on “Asian Tourism. Greece as a Destination and as a European Gate”, and showcases the new prospects for the country's tourism product through top Greek and international speakers.
The Fairs are being held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (EOT) and major tourism agencies (SETE, HATTA, POX and XEE), and are once again “flying” with Qatar Airways, the official air carrier of the events.
The further internationalisation of both the Fairs and Greek tourism is at the heart of this year’s Philoxenia-Hotelia, international Conference and numerous side events.
The entire Greek tourism sector is being represented at the 33rd Philoxenia, as all 13 Regions of the country and numerous tourism-heavy Municipalities are participating.
There is increased international participation in Philoxenia and Hotelia, with direct participation from countries such as Turkey - İzmir and Şarköy are attending independently for the first time - Cyprus, Egypt, Austria, Russia, Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Poland, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Peru, the Philippines and Indonesia.
Hotelia, in turn, presents the latest trends in the areas of hotel, restaurant and café equipment. The Fair is addressed to hoteliers, architects, decorators, construction firms and professionals from the supply, café and tourism industry. The modern structure of Hotelia in terms of both organisation and
presentation aims to attract the interest of all the above professionals, serving as a link between them.
A point of inspiration for architects, decorators and hoteliers, DPOINT SPACES at Hotelia (jointly organised with Interiors from Greece) is the most innovative event on hotel architecture and decoration, featuring two different works by renowned architectural firms, covering a total area of 400 sq.m.
SPA concept (created by the architectural firm ASPASIA TAKA architects creative lab) presents modern architectural trends in & wellness and incorporates a workshop area where sector experts will hold seminars, under the supervision of the development, management and business consulting firm EF-ZIN ‘’the art of living well’’.
LOBBY concept (created by the architectural firm NOMEN ARCHITECTS) showcases the lobby area, both as a philosophy - principles of good hospitality - and as a functional element, a common meeting place for owners and guests, friends, associates, etc.
The All About Café of Hotelia is an original and innovation section dedicated to the art of preparing coffee, focusing on the development of coffee culture in the present and hosting specialised seminars under the supervision of Valantis Lambrianidis. The grand sponsor of All About Café is the SPECIALISTAS brand of the MEVGAL company.
This year, the All About Gastronomy section of Hotelia is focusing on Greek Breakfast & Brunch+ and Gastronomic Hospitality, placing emphasis on how to include gastronomy in the services offered by hotels. The All About Gastronomy section is overseen by the Chef Stories company.
Asian Tourism. Greece as a Destination and as a European Gate
The future of Greek tourism will be presented at the international Philoxenia conference titled ‘Asian Tourism. Greece as a Destination and as a European Gate’, a particularly timely event, given the strengthening of bonds between Greece and China and the latter’s recent sizeable participation in the 82nd TIF.
The choice of topic is not accidental, as Greece has all the prospects to win a substantial market share, given its popularity among Asian tourists, who love culture and history.
The Conference will consist of three thematic sessions and one round table discussion with the following content:
- Growth and trends in outbound Asian tourism
- Connectivity & Travel Facilitation
- Approaching the Asian Traveler
The round table will focus on: ‘Is Greek tourism Asian-ready? The road ahead’
Speakers at the Conference will be representatives of: World Tourism Organisation, Greek Ministry of Tourism, Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Athens International Airport, Global Tourism Economy Forum-Macau, IVY Alliance, Fraport Greece, European Travel Commission, Piraeus Port Authority – COSCO, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Greek tourism agencies.
The organising consultant of the Conference is the tourism generis company.