The 33rd international tourism exhibition Philoxenia and the international hotel equipment exhibition Hotelia opened on Friday in Thessaloniki.

“It is the most important tourism-industry event in Greece, which this year records a 10 pct increase in the number of exhibitors”, stated the managing director of TIF-Helexpo Kyriakos Pozrikidis.He noted that this year’s theme is ‘Asian tourism – Greece as destination and European Gate’.

The entire tourism sector of Greece is represented at Philoxenia, with the participation of all 13 regions of the country; as well as many municipalities. Also, 400 exhibitors from 18 countries take part in Philoxenia; and 200 exhibitors in Hotelia.

The exhibitions are held under the auspices of the Tourism Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organisation as well as all the major tourist agencies in Greece.

The foreign presence is upgraded this year with participations from Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Austria, Russia, Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Poland, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Peru, Philippines and Indonesia. Moreover, 180 independent hosted buyers have been invited, while another 125 participate as group missions from Bulgaria, Albania and Skopje.

Over 4,000 meetings have been scheduled between exhibitors and major tour operators from 36 countries, while the shipping companies and many airlines, tour operators and hotel chains will be also represented.

Source: ANA-MPA

Source: http://greece.greekreporter.com/category/greek-news/tourism/