Belgrade Tourism Fair: Greece is Most Popular Country for Serbian Travelers

Photo source: Greek Tourism Ministry

Exchanging knowhow and working together to increase tourist flows between Greece and Serbia topped the agenda of Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni’s visit to Belgrade this week.

Kefalogianni inaugurated the 45th International Tourism Fair (ITF) known locally as “Sajam Turizma”, where Greece was the partner country. According to the expo’s organizer Belgrade Fair, Greece is by far the most popular market for Serbian citizens vacationing abroad.

During her visit, she met with Serbian Tourism Minister Husein Memić. The two officials discussed ways to increase tourist flows between the two countries and committed to launching actions in this direction in the immediate future.

Launching the four-day event, Kefalogianni said both Greece and Serbia had a common vision for tourism development, which focused on sustainability.

“We believe that Greece and Serbia share a common vision for the future of tourism. By joining forces and leveraging our comparative advantages, we can create new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and growth,” said Kefalogianni.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Sajam Turizma

She went on to thank the Serbian people for supporting Greece and invited them to visit the country and enjoy its offerings.

“We are grateful for the strong support of our Serbian friends in the further development of tourism in Greece and we look forward to hosting them in all the beautiful parts of the country this year as well,” said Kefalogianni.

Moreover, the Greek tourism minister said Serbia’s International Tourism Fair is one of the most significant tourism events in the region.

“It is a global gathering that provides an opportunity for countries and participants not only to promote their tourism offer, but also to communicate, collaborate, create partnerships and build strong relationships. And that is precisely the essence of tourism,” she added..

Greece was also “partner country” at Serbia’s international tourism fair in 2018.

First organized in 1978, Sajam Turizma is the largest tourism event in Serbia offering promotional and networking opportunities for thousands of guests and exhibitors.

Greece is participating through the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), which is hosting a number of exhibitors from across Greece, from regional representatives and tourist organizations from the most popular Greek destinations, to professional associations.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Sajam Turizma

Under this year’s slogan “Experience! Serbia!”, the Serbian Tourist Organization (TOS) is aiming to establish Serbia as a top destination of choice in Europe through the promotion of its natural landscapes, accommodation, gastronomy, and hospitality, including the launch of the new “Serbian Cappadocia” project.

Participating in this year’s event are the TOS, the Tourist Organization of Belgrade (TOB), the Tourist Organization of Vojvodina (TOV), and regional tourism organizations from all parts of Serbia.

The fair, which includes the 19th International Fair of Hotel and Catering Equipment Horeca – Equipment, will run through to February 25.