People

Polis, the only convention center in Thessaloniki certified by the Greek National Tourism Organization, recently announced that its new director of sales is Elena Biniari. Ms. Biniari previously was the director of sales of the international Hyatt hotel chain.

A new joint effort with the ultimate aim of improving the purpose and the role of the chamber has just begun, according to new President of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels Yiorgos Tsakiris.

The Greek National Tourism Organization announced in late December 2009 its new Board of Directors. Newly appointed GNTO President is Nikolas Kanellopoulos, Supreme Court lawyer, who has operated in the past as an advisor to Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Angela Gerekou.

In the midst of the global economic crisis, Helexpo, the national exhibition center of Greece, has managed to place the 25th International Tourism Exhibition Philoxenia and the Hotel Equipment Exhibition Hotelia in the limelight of the European exhibition sector. This is due to the flexible services Philoxenia offers to exhibitors and visitors, but also because of this year’s “2nd European Tourism Conference” under the theme “Travel & Tourism: The Day After-From Recession to Growth” that will include very timely topics.

This year’s 25th International Tourism Exhibition Philoxenia takes place amid a global economic crisis with tourism figures that have fallen considerably. In real terms it is a drop that has reduced turnover by 30 percent. It is encouraging that 2010 will be better than this year.

On the dawn of summer 2009 and a difficult tourism season, Philoxenia 2009 opens its doors once again. Despite the atmosphere of gloom and doom within the global airline industry, with diminishing profits, even bigger losses and the world economy still in disarray, a ray of hope arises with the new tourism leadership of Greece.

The Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers (HAPCO) will once again support practically and virtually Greek travel and tourism exhibitions that are aimed towards meetings among professionals and the exchange of views. For this reason, HAPCO will have, for the sixth consecutive year, a dynamic presence at this year’s 25th Philoxenia.

Every country that wants to be recognized as a major player in the worldwide tourism market needs to prove its ability to organize successful events; must always find ways to promote its offers to travel professionals; and should host at least one successful travel fair per year.

This year’s Philoxenia exhibition coincides with one of the most difficult periods Greek tourism has experienced (and is still experiencing) over the past decades.

This year’s 25th International Tourism Exhibition Philoxenia is taking place at a time when the global economic crisis has affected international tourism and of course Greek tourism.