Thessaloniki and Belgrade Tourism Organizations Launch Strategic Cooperation

Thessaloniki Tourism Organization President Voula Patoulidou siging the Memorandum of Cooperation with with Belgrade Tourism Organization Director General Miodrag Popovic. Photo source: TTO.

The Thessaloniki and Belgrade tourism organizations recently joined forces and announced a new era of development and collaboration in the Balkan region.

Through a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC), the two organizations have agreed to promote Thessaloniki and Belgrade as city break, gastronomy, culture, education, MICE, sports, and business tourism destinations. Moreover, according to the memorandum, the two organizations will explore synergies with other public and private sector parties in Greece and Serbia.

The memorandum, which, among other things, highlights the strong cultural ties between Greece and Serbia, was signed during a recent event at Belgrade’s White Palace, hosted by the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization (TTO).

Family photo in Belgrade, Serbia. Photo source: TTO.

“Greece’s relations with Serbia reflect the sentiments of genuine friendship between the two countries based on historical and cultural ties,” TTO President Voula Patoulidou said.

During the event, the TTO gave a presentation of Thessaloniki as a travel destination and highlighted all of its competitive advantages and places of interest.

Held in partnership with Tourism Plus-Global Tourism Consultants and under the auspices of the Greek Tourism Ministry, the event was attended by Greek and Serbian officials, diplomats, travel and tourism stakeholders, business representatives, journalists, bloggers and social media influencers.

Serbs love Thessaloniki

Photo source: Thessaloniki Tourism Organization

Thessaloniki was recorded among the most popular holiday destinations in 2022 for Serbian travelers due to its easy road access, affordable prices, beach options, similar mentality and long-standing friendship between Greece and Serbia.

According to TTO, Serbian tourists travel for leisure and take long trips that can last for more than 8 nights. Besides seeking sun & sea, they are also interested in city break, religious and cultural tourism.

Air Serbia, Serbia’s national airline, operates three flights per week from Thessaloniki, increasing them to eight from May 15. A new connection with the city of Kraljevo, starting on June 13, will also enhance Thessaloniki’s connectivity to Serbia.

TTO President Voula Patoulidou with Belgrade Tourism Organization Director General Miodrag Popovic. Photo source: TTO.

On the sidelines of the MoC signing event, TTO President Voula Patoulidou attended a reception at the Greek Embassy in Belgrade commemorating the 1821 Greek Revolution anniversary, where she met with academics, journalists, and Greeks living in Serbia.

Patoulidou also met with a group of 30 Serbian doctors and discussed the prospects of medical tourism in Thessaloniki.

Furthermore, she was interviewed by acclaimed Serbian reporter Jasmina Rakocevic for the RTS state TV station, inviting Serbians to visit the city.

“Thessaloniki, through tourism, can help the Balkan region enter into a new era of development based on sustainability,” Patoulidou said.