Greece Tops Irish Travelers’ Wish Lists This Year

Photo source: Halkidiki Tourism Organization

Greece is at the top of Irish travelers’ bucket lists for 2024, according to feedback collected by the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization (ΤΤΟ) during the Holiday World Show 2024 held in Dublin this week.

Demand for Greece by Irish holidaymakers is on the rise, boosted by more direct air routes. The launch by Ryanair of flights to Greece from March to October boosted traffic to Makedonia Airport by 4 percent in 2023.

At the same time, a survey released by Ireland’s flag carrier Aer Lingus revealed that travelers from Ireland are keen on visiting the Greek islands this year.

Photo source: Halkidiki Tourism Organization

During the show, representatives from Sunway, Click&Go, Abbey Travel and Best4Travel confirmed Thessaloniki and Halkidiki performed well in 2023.

Among others, the TTO and the Halkidiki Tourism Organization (HTO) agreed with Travel Counsellors Ireland Managing Director Cathy Burke to jointly organize a fam trip in September for six Irish travel journalists.

“The Irish want to travel and as their financial situation improves they want to travel more. Especially to countries like Greece as they seek sun, sea, a nice atmosphere, culture and countryside. Thessaloniki and Halkidiki create an extremely attractive mix for the Irish tourist,” said TTO President Voula Patoulidou.

HTO President Grigoris Tasios said that targeted promotion to Ireland started in 2020 as part of the organization’s efforts to reach out to new markets.