Halkidiki Promotes Alternative Tourism Options to Dutch Travelers

Photo source: Halkidiki Tourism Organization (HTO)

The tourism organization of Halkidiki showcased the destination’s alternative tourism options at the Vakantienbeurs exhibition in The Netherlands, aiming to attract more Dutch visitors during the shoulder season.

Since 1970, Vakantienbeurs has been the go-to event for travelers and tourism professionals, inspiring aspiring adventurers to plan their next journey with insights from organizations, hotels, and destinations around the globe. Vakantienbeurs 2025 took place January 9-12 at the Jaarbeurs expo center in Utrecht.

“The Dutch market is a key strategic focus for Halkidiki,” said Halkidiki Tourism Organization (HTO) President Grigoris Tasios. “We rely on technocratic practices to extend the tourist season, prioritizing alternative tourism options and creating sustainable solutions that align with modern travelers’ expectations.”

Dutch tourism trends

Photo source: Halkidiki Tourism Organization (HTO)

According to the HTO, the Dutch market shows a growing interest for alternative tourism options like hiking, fly-and-drive trips, and authentic local experiences. Direct flights by Transavia and Aegean Airlines improve connectivity, opening new travel opportunities in the spring and autumn, extending beyond the traditional summer season.

Capitalizing on this growing travel trend, Halkidiki took part in the Vakantienbeurs expo to showcase its unique appeal as a destination that seamlessly combines diverse experiences with convenient accessibility.

During the exhibition, HTO Marketing Director Tania Akritidou had more than 20 B2B meetings with prominent industry professionals, aiming to forge new partnerships that would help extend the travel season beyond its peak months.

Thanks to HTO’s promotional efforts, Wandelmagazine, one of the Netherlands’ largest hiking magazines, will feature three of Halkidiki’s unique trails, promoting the destination to its readers.

The tourism board announced plans to keep promoting Halkidiki, aiming to enhance its tourism offerings through new partnerships and initiatives.