Greek tourism leaders gathered in Istanbul on November 2, 2024, for a B2B event aimed at strengthening connections and promoting tourism destinations. Hosted at the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) headquarters, representatives from various Greek regions engaged in direct meetings with Turkish travel professionals to boost tourism collaboration and highlight the unique offerings of their respective areas.
The event kicked off with promotional videos showcasing the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of participating regions such as Alexandroupolis, Central Greece, Western Macedonia, and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. These videos set the stage for one-on-one discussions between Greek and Turkish participants, exploring potential partnerships and tourism opportunities.
Among the prominent attendees were key figures from the Greek regions, including Ioannis Bogdis, General Secretary of the Municipality of Alexandroupolis; Panagiotis Arxontis, Deputy Governor of Tourism for the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace; and Athanasios Papadimitriou, Chief of the Department of Tourism & Culture. Each shared insights into their regions‘ tourism potential and initiatives to attract more visitors.
The event also featured a diverse group of participants from Greece, including organizers, mayors, tourism officials, and representatives from various tourism-related organizations. This diverse representation highlighted the collaborative effort to promote Greek tourism and foster partnerships with Turkish counterparts.
Participants had the opportunity to experience a taste of Greece through culinary samples presented during the event. Traditional dishes provided a flavorful glimpse into the gastronomy of the featured regions, adding an authentic touch to the evening’s activities.
The event concluded with a dinner at Sismanoglio Megaro in Beyoğlu, where the Greek delegation and Turkish tourism representatives continued their discussions in a more relaxed setting. This informal gathering further solidified the relationships established during the day, paving the way for future collaborations and partnerships.
Overall, this showcase is part of an ongoing effort by Greek tourism leaders to promote regional destinations in international markets. As tourism interest between Greece and Turkey continues to grow, events like these play a crucial role in fostering cooperation and driving mutual growth in the travel sector. By strengthening connections and promoting tourism destinations, both countries stand to benefit from increased visitor numbers and enhanced cultural exchange.