Thessaloniki, Halkidiki and Pieria Reach Out to Hungarian Market

Photo source: Thessaloniki Tourism Organization

Northern Greece tourism professionals are targeting the Hungarian market where interest in Greek destinations is on the rise, according to feedback gather at the Travel+ Exhibition in Budapest, Hungary last week.

Participating in a joint stand as co-exhibitors of the Region of Central Macedonia, the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization (ΤΤΟ), the Halkidiki Tourism Organization (HTO), the Pieria Tourism Development Organization, presented Hungarian visitors with their tourism offerings eager to tap into the growing market.

According to Fraport data, Thessaloniki Airport handled 35,642 arrivals from Hungary in 2022 which increased by 25.32 percent in 2023 to 44,668.

Photo source: Halkidiki Tourism Organization

More than 200 exhibitors and some 30,000 visitors attended the show last week. Thessaloniki, Halkidiki and Pieria tourism stakeholders held B2B meetings with local tour operators, travel agents and hospitality professionals. Visitors showed interest in road and camping trips.

“Although Hungarian visitors are passionate supporters of the sea & sun model through coordinated actions, Thessaloniki has been introduced as a warm and welcoming city where diverse activities can be enjoyed,” said Voula Patoulidou, vice governor of Thessaloniki and TTO president.

Also commenting, HTO President Grigoris Tasios said for many Hungarians, Halkidiki is a familiar destination and for others a new vacation idea. He went on to add that the exhibition in Budapest confirmed the strong trend of Hungarians choosing road trips to Greece and Halkidiki, to Thessaloniki for city breaks to Pieria.