Grekland Panorama 2016: 11.000 Swedes visit Fair in two days

North Events successfully organized the 3rd exhibition GREKLAND PANORAMA med CYPERN, at the Ericsson Globe Arenas, in the capital of Scandinavia, Stockholm between February 12-14.

Nearly 11.000 visitors came to the fair in two days and experienced a truly authentic “Greek” atmosphere enjoying multiple events, special offers and festivities.

The Grekland Panorama 2016, was for the second consecutive year the largest exhibition hosted at Globen complex and one of the largest fairs held in Sweden and, most importantly, triggered a remarkable "wave" positive publicity for Greece, at a particularly difficult time.

Having achieved such a great number of visitors, GREKALND PANORAMA has now become one of the biggest yearly exhibition events in the greater area of Stockholm.

Great sales records

Once again all the major tour operators and tourism players of the Swedish industry participated with exhibitor stands, promoting Greece and sales offers only valid for the fair’s dates – achieving great sales records.

For two days, thousands of visitors of the exhibition had the opportunity to enjoy images, flavors and aromas from Greece offered by dozens of exhibitors, to participate in events and activities, to take advantage of generous holiday offers, and to enjoy tastings and cooking demonstrations with traditional greek products.

"Gamopilafo" from Gramvousa, citrus and sweets from Platanias, excellent Parga dishes together with a traditional stone mill, transferred especially for the Fair from Peloponnese were only a few of the culinary events that excited its visitors.

During the event, over 5 tons of Greek traditional products were donated or sold, worth more than 1.5 million kroner (about 160,000 euros).

Market trends

Grekland Panorama functioned once again as analysis center of the latest trends that exist for Greece and, according to tour operators, the situation in Greece this season, is as follows:

Latest estimates show an increase of 4% -5% on average which will fluctuate depending on market origin, tour operator and destination. Some island destinations record a decrease in high double digits, while, other destinations in West Greece also exhibit significant growth.

The refugee issue has seriously harmed destinations in Greece and Turkey, which additionally shows heavy losses in reservations due to the terrorist attacks, the crisis in Russia and its proximity to Syria.

Overall, it appears that Greece will have a season with many last minute bookings since, the main volume of bookings are currently directed to Spain (including Balearic Islands) and Italy first , and then channeled to Greece, while the great "surprise" this year, in terms of emerging destinations is Bulgaria.

Products and services

In terms of products and services, according to tour operators, gastronomy and traditional products, the Greek way of life along with wellness and sports activities are the key features that most Scandinavians who wish to visit Greece prefer. Additionally, for the first time this year, a large number of customers are more influenced by the accommodation product and services than the destination.

The Fair highlighted this year special and alternative forms of tourism, such as green, alternative, walking and maritime tourism, which was promoted by the participation of Blue Flag awarded Greek Marinas as well as boat rental, yachting and cruises companies.

Thermal Springs was presented by the Association of Greek Municipalities For the first time  and also attracted great interest.

Preferences of Swedish travelers

On the exhibition's first day, the Sweden Digi.travel convention was organized and its participants had the opportunity to hear lectures on trends and specific features of the Swedish market, and the Nordic market in general, as well as the preferences and habits of Swedish travelers.

In this year's event, the support and involvement of the largest Swedish tour operators that bring tourists in Greece, Apollo, TUI Nordic, VING, Airtours, Solresor, Tema Resor, Detur, along, for the first time, with senior market specialists' Grand Tours and Pro.se, all with large pavillions, proved decisive.