Paris Mavridis

President and CEO, HELEXPO

PHILOXENIA 2011 greeting.

Philoxenia’s leadership in the market of exhibition tourism for decades has been a huge comparative advantage but also a guarantee for exhibitors.

Our primary goal is for Thessaloniki’s International Tourism Exhibition to continue to form the possibilities for new growth opportunities, particularly in the Southeastern Mediterranean for, to the most important and promising sector of the Greek economy.

At a time when Greece is in search of development outlets, the role of this year’s 27th International Tourism Exhibition Philoxenia is extremely important.

Philoxenia, with its long-term presence in exhibition tourism, is a huge comparative advantage for exhibitors and also creates new opportunities in exhibition tourism not only nationwide but also internationally.

Looking towards growth prospects, companies participating in the 27th Philoxenia have the opportunity to gain international exposure, come into direct contact with leading companies, make prospective direct business agreements-partnerships and attain the secure option for new multi-level partnerships.

The parallel organizing of Philoxenia and the second exhibition of hotels and professional equipment, Hotelia-Expro & Clean, demonstrates the desire and practical effort of Helexpo to contribute to sustainable development of the tourism industry.

Hotelia-Expro & Clean, a collaboration of Helexpo with Expro SA has the advantage to exploit the long “legacy” of Philoxenia in the best way possible and this brings it to a beneficial position.

In regards to the “Philoxenia Tourism Awards,” they are intended to promote the top destinations chosen by Greek travelers and will be awarded following an open, online voting process, organized for the sixth year by Helexpo.