Thessaloniki Tourism Organization to Focus on Destination Management, Become DMO

The “Umbrellas”, a popular public art installation on the waterfront in Thessaloniki. Photo source: Visit Greece

Thessaloniki Mayor and President of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization (TTO) Stelios Angeloudis announced this week plans to convert the organization into a DMO (destination management organization) in the coming period.

Founded in 2005, the TTO will now operate as a DMO for the city and the wider region. Priorities for the TTO, said Angeloudis, include expanding its scope of operation, covering other regions outside Thessaloniki, and involving other tourism stakeholders such as hoteliers and chambers, which will also contribute financially.

“We have decided to switch to another model which focuses on strategy,” said Angeloudis, adding that the aim is for the TTO to be able to cover all needs of the sector from start to finish. “A tight strategic plan is of utmost importance for tourism development,” he said.

Angeloudis went on to add that it was also crucial to find ways to restore the financial viability of the organization.

Thessaloniki Hotels Association (THA) President Andreas Mandrinos welcomed the decision, adding that DMO status will help the association secure government funding and attract private investments. “The THA welcomes and actively participates in this change,” he said.

Thessaloniki Hotels Association President Andreas Mandrinos.

Angeloudis went on to add that the organization has also reached out to the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) for guidance and support in the formulation of a strategy and action plan, which would be ready in the fall.

Tourism stakeholders in the city were disappointed earlier this week after a study found that Thessaloniki was still lagging behind in terms of visitor satisfaction garnering a score of 7.8 in 2023 due to low scores in cleanliness and noise.