Thessaloniki at ITB '25 | 1.6 million Germans in 2024 - more flights this year

With a strong participation in the world's largest international tourism exhibition, ITB Berlin 2025, Thessaloniki is consolidating its position as a rapidly growing tourist destination.

According to FRAPORT data for 2024, more than 1.6 million passenger arrivals from Germany have already been recorded at Macedonia Airport. The next goal is to increase the number of German visitors to the city, with multi-day stays throughout the year.

Strengthening air connectivity is a key axis of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization (TTO) strategy for the sustainable and multi-level development of the city's tourism product. In collaboration with professional and institutional bodies, TTO is constantly investing in increasing direct flights from markets of high tourist interest, such as Germany.

German travelers are looking for destinations ideal for city breaks, cultural itineraries, and themed experiences. With a high average income and travel habits that extend beyond peak periods, they are an ideal audience for extending Thessaloniki’s tourist season.

In this context, the OTTH implements targeted promotion campaigns and participates in international exhibitions with the aim of maintaining the existing tourism momentum and further enhancing the city’s awareness. Through its participation in ITB Berlin (4–6 March 2025), it is promoting Thessaloniki as an attractive global destination, emphasizing both direct air connections and strategic partnerships with international airlines.

Expansion of direct flights from key markets to Thessaloniki

The expansion of direct flights from key markets is a crucial factor in attracting visitors, developing the tourism sector, and establishing the city as an ideal city break destination.

An indicative result of the coordinated effort of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization in cooperation with the Region of Central Macedonia, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, neighboring Municipalities and Organizations, is the start of direct flights by Aegean Airlines from Milan next May.

LOT follows, with a direct connection from Warsaw, offering another important bridge to the Polish and Eastern European market, while EASYJET, with flights from Manchester, strengthens the connection with the United Kingdom, strengthening the flow of visitors from this region.

The participation of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization in ITB Berlin underlines the city's commitment to sustainable tourism development, strengthening its position as a leading destination in the wider region and a strategic air connectivity hub in Southeastern Europe.

The actions were carried out with the support of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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