≡-Greece Partners with EU to Strengthen Tourism at the Thessaloniki International Fair, Focuses on Sustainability, Culture and Regional Growth – Viral of Today

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September 9, 2025During the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), the Greek Ministry of Tourism premiered its new plans for reinforcing tourism via increased cooperation with the European Commission. The fair, which opened on September 6, 2025, at the Helexpo Exhibition Centre in Thessaloniki, provided an important forum to present the country’s dedication to sustainable tourism, heritage preservation, and local development. It also highlighted Greece’s expanding tourism industry, which is poised to make a big leap in the following years through strategic alliances.Collaboration Between Greece and the EU to Promote Sustainable TourismThe partnership between Greece and the European Union is poised to play a significant role in enhancing Greece’s tourism industry. During her speech at the opening of the European Commission Representation in Greece pavilion, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni stressed that closer collaboration with EU institutions is essential for accelerating the growth of Greece’s tourism sector. Kefalogianni highlighted that the theme of Macedonia’s cultural heritage at the pavilion perfectly exemplifies the country’s vision of integrating culture and tourism to drive regional development and foster year-round tourism.“Culture defines who we are and remains an inexhaustible resource that adds global value to Greece’s tourism,” Kefalogianni remarked. This statement reflects the government’s continued push to marry tourism development with cultural preservation, ensuring that Greece’s unique cultural assets remain at the heart of its tourism strategy.Promoting Regional Development Through Cultural HeritageOne of the key themes at the TIF was the role of cultural heritage in driving regional tourism. Greece aims to build on its diverse cultural heritage, promoting both well-known and emerging tourist destinations across the country. Minister Kefalogianni emphasized that by integrating cultural tourism into the nation’s broader economic goals, Greece can unlock significant opportunities for local communities and boost economic activity in lesser-visited regions.“Connecting tourism with culture opens up new markets and ensures that growth is spread across the whole country,” said Kefalogianni. With its vast historical sites, traditional villages, and natural beauty, Greece has a rich cultural fabric that can support sustainable development in even the most remote areas.Focus on Sustainable Tourism and Community EmpowermentSustainable tourism is also a focus area of the Ministry’s agenda, which aims to balance economic development with the preservation of natural resources. This is increasingly important as the country seeks to meet the growing demand for tourism while minimizing environmental impacts. Cultural heritage, green tourism, and eco-friendly travel options will be central to Greece’s tourism promotion moving forward.In addition to environmental sustainability, empowering the tourism workforce was identified as a priority by Minister Kefalogianni. She stressed that education and fair compensation for workers in the tourism industry are vital for maintaining the sector’s long-term growth. A focus on workforce development ensures that the industry is equipped with the skills and knowledge required to handle the complexities of modern tourism, ensuring a higher quality of service and better tourist experiences.Expanding Greece’s Tourism Across Regions and SeasonsOne of the primary objectives of the Greek Ministry of Tourism is to expand tourism beyond the traditional summer months, fostering year-round travel. The fair provided an opportunity to promote Greece’s off-season offerings and encourage travelers to visit regions that are not typically the focus of international tourism.The introduction of new destinations in remote areas is part of this effort. By diversifying tourism offerings and creating more travel opportunities, Greece is striving to spread tourism benefits across all regions, creating economic opportunities for businesses and residents alike.The Meaningful Travel Map: Connecting Tourists to Sustainable ChoicesIn addition to highlighting regional development and cultural tourism, the Greek Ministry of Tourism also launched the Meaningful Travel Map of Greece. This digital platform identifies sustainable businesses, cultural tourism sites, and eco-friendly accommodations across the country. By offering tourists a guide to responsible travel, Greece ensures that visitors can make informed decisions that support local communities and sustainable tourism practices.The Meaningful Travel Map is a significant initiative designed to make it easier for tourists to find businesses that align with their values and contribute positively to the local economy. This tool is also being promoted at the Thessaloniki International Fair to encourage travelers to visit lesser-known but equally rich destinations throughout Greece.Public-Private Partnerships in Tourism DevelopmentThe partnership between the Greek government and the European Commission has been pivotal in building a sustainable tourism model for the future. The fair highlighted how public-private partnerships are crucial for the development of the tourism industry, helping to improve infrastructure, promote cultural heritage, and foster new business opportunities in both urban and rural areas.The collaboration between EU institutions and local stakeholders ensures that Greece can meet its tourism goals while addressing the challenges of over-tourism and environmental preservation. These partnerships are essential for creating a balanced, sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.Greece’s Tourism Future in a GlanceGreece solidifies its reputation as a leading international tourism destination, cooperation with the European Commission at the Thessaloniki International Fair illustrates Greece’s dedication to responsible tourism, the preservation of cultural heritage, and community building. Focusing on regional tourism, cultural heritage, and the empowerment of the workforce, Greece is creating a sustainable and resilient tourism sector able to accommodate long-term development while safeguarding the environment and local communities. As the nation strives to establish new markets and develop its product offerings, sustainable tourism will be central to its strategy, allowing both tourists and locals to continue to reap the rewards of the economic benefits generated by tourism.

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