Thessaloniki’s TIF Event to Fill Up City’s Hotels in September

Thessaloniki is seeing a surge in bookings for September, especially for the period the 86th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) will take place, according to the president of the city’s hoteliers association, Andreas Mandrinos.

Greece’s largest trade event, the Thessaloniki International Fair is considered one of the leading business, industry, political and events in Southeastern Europe bringing together professionals and buyers from across Greece and the broader region. The Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center will host the 86th TIF during September 10-18.

Speaking during an interview to radio station 104.9FM, Mandrinos said that Thessaloniki’s hotels are expecting high occupancy numbers not only during the days of the fair, but also for the rest of the month due to existing early bookings.

THA President Andreas Mandrinos. Photo source: @Thessaloniki Hotels Association

“The TIF season will be a good one, as will the whole of September. We already have early bookings, not only for the duration of the fair, but also from those who will still be on vacation. Occupancy rates are particularly high in the city’s hotels and there are very few available rooms,” Mandrinos said, adding that despite the high demand all visitors will find accommodation in Thessaloniki.

“Even if someone doesn’t find a room in a central location, they can stay on the outskirts of Thessaloniki,” the association’s president said.

With regard to the city’s tourist traffic, Mandrinos said the situation seems optimistic until the beginning of October. He did, however, express concern for the November 2022 – March 2023 period due to the increase in energy costs.

2022 tourist figures not at levels of 2019

Referring to the summer months, the association’s president underlined that the city performed much better than the previous years of the pandemic, but did not manage to reach the levels of 2019.

“The messages are positive, as initially there was concern due to the war. Thessaloniki managed to receive a decent share of Greece’s tourist flow but mainly from road tourism, because our air connections are less due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Referring to this year’s air arrivals, Mandrinos stressed that while the majority of Greek airports performed well compared to 2019, Thessaloniki did not.

“The demand is less and the numbers show the reality,” he said, adding that Thessaloniki must raise the level and try to attract more high-spending visitors.