ICCA: Greece Holds Strong Conference Tourism Record

Greece is evolving into a leading congress tourism destination but infrastructure and conference centers are crucial, said Greek MICE professionals attending IMEX 2024 held in Frankfurt last month.

IMEX Frankfurt is where the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry comes together annually for the largest trade show of its kind in Europe.

Representing Greece this year at a number of side events during IMEX was the Greek Meetings Alliance (GMA), a partnership between HAPCO & DES, This is Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), and the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau (TCB). The GMA also attended B2B meetings at Greece’s main stand run by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).

ICCA: Greece remains among the top conference destinations

According to findings presented at IMEX by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Greece ranked 16^th in the world in 2023 as a leading congress tourism destination down from 13^th in 2022 and 11^th in Europe down from 10^th in 2022.

Athens ranked 15^th in 2023 down from 8th in 2022 and 11^th in Europe down from 8^th in 2022.

Thessaloniki however moved up to 42^nd spot in 2023 from 78^th in 2022 and is in 26^th place in Europe up from 51^st in 2022.

According to the GMA, the improved rankings demonstrate that Greece is improving its position globally but the association is reiterating calls for infrastructure, conference centers and the institution of regional DMOs that will work towards the creation of a National Convention Bureau.

“The Greek Meetings Alliance has worked hard to promote the country as a leading MICE destination and has submitted to the government a detailed action plan for the segment’s further development,” said HAPCO & DES President Sissi Lygnou, adding that she hopes Greece will have an even more dynamic presence and participation in next year’s IMEX.

Lygnou, who is also President-Elect of IAPCO, participated in the IMEX Politicians Forum, which brought together decision-makers, policy-makers, government bodies, and organizations to discuss further international development within the conference industry.

Additionally, Greece was represented by Maria Papadopoulou, Business Development Manager of This is Athens – CVB, and Dimitris Ganitis, Managing Director of TCB, at the 2nd Global Forum of National Convention Bureaux on sustainability in the convention industry. This forum was organized by the Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe, a partnership of national CVBs.

During IMEX 2024, the GMA and the GNTO hosted a Greek cocktail party at the Greek stand for buyers, conference organizers, and association representatives. The event drew important industry players from around the world, providing an invaluable networking opportunity.

More than 60,000 B2B meetings were held at this year’s IMEX 2024.