Halkidiki | Positive messages from the Finnish and Austrian markets

The Halkidiki Tourist Organization had a dynamic participation in the MATKA 2025 exhibitions in Helsinki and Ferien Wien in Vienna.

Specifically:

Direct Ryanair flight - TUI NORDIC Finland to Halkidiki from 2026

The MATKA 2025 exhibition, which took place in Helsinki from January 16 to 19, gathered a total of 58,000 visitors and professionals, recording an increase of 11% compared to the previous year. Therefore, this exhibition was an important platform for the promotion of Halkidiki as a multidimensional tourist destination.

The Halkidiki pavilion attracted the interest of both the public and tourism professionals, who showed enthusiasm for the alternative forms of tourism offered by the region, such as authentic gastronomy, archaeological tours and activities in nature, beyond the traditional "sun and sea" model.

The Director of the Halkidiki Tourism Board, Giorgos Broutzas, held numerous professional meetings with representatives of travel agencies and journalists. The direct Ryanair flight (Helsinki - Thessaloniki) was highlighted and the organization of fam & press trips to get to know the destination was agreed. The messages for the 2026 season, during which TUI NORDIC Finland has decided to operate in Halkidiki, were also encouraging.

According to data from the Finnish Association of Tourism Professionals (SMAL), Greece remains the top choice for Finnish travelers, recording a 7.4% increase in 2024 compared to 2023, and Halkidiki is looking to increase its tourist arrivals from Finland.

The Greek pavilion at the exhibition was honored with a visit by the Ambassador of Greece to Finland, Ms. Natalia Karageorgou, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Greek Embassy, ​​Mr. Dimitrios Karakonstantis, and the Consul, Ms. Efthalia Zacharioudaki, confirming the strong relationship between Greece and Finland in the tourism sector.

Halkidiki is a favorite destination for Austrians

At the leading international tourism exhibition Ferien Wien, held in Vienna from 16 to 19 January 2025, the Halkidiki Tourist Organization had the opportunity to showcase, through the GNTO pavilion, the unique identity of the region to dozens of Austrian visitors.

Participation in Ferien Wien was not only a promotion opportunity, but also a strong indication of the growing demand for Halkidiki as a destination. Halkidiki has been a favorite destination for Austrians since the 1980s, combining heavenly beaches, rich cultural heritage, and alternative forms of tourism, such as ecotourism and gastronomic experiences. Participation in Ferien Wien confirmed the continued demand for the destination, with bookings from the Austrian market increasing by 15% for 2025.

Halkidiki continues to invest in international promotion, promoting its natural beauty and authentic experiences, with the aim of strengthening quality tourism and the local economy.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report