Gr. Tasios | More nationalities expected in Halkidiki this year

• "Halkidiki is strengthening its position in the European market with new air connections, increased demand, and greater accessibility, with tourist traffic, however, estimated to be at the same levels as in 2024, but with more nationalities from air arrivals at Macedonia Airport.

This is highlighted, among others, by Grigoris Tasios, president of the Halkidiki Hoteliers Association and president of TOX in a post on social networks, as the cycle of tourism exhibitions in which the Halkidiki Tourist Organization participated for the first 6 months of 2025 is slowly coming to an end and a clearer "picture" is now emerging for the course of this year's tourist season in Halkidiki.

Specifically, he explains that contacts with leading tour operators and the -so far- data from partners are optimistic with most markets for the Halkidiki to record an increase in pre-bookings. At the same time, some markets are stagnating or decreasing slightly, new markets are entering dynamically, as well as new direct air connections to Macedonia airport.

As for the data from abroad, these reflect the following:

• United Kingdom: Arrivals from England increased by +15%, with Jet2 recording a significant increase in bookings. TUI also recorded an increase of +5%, underlining the stable appeal of Halkidiki in the English market.
• Netherlands: Arrivals from the Netherlands increased by +6%, with encouraging signs for further growth.
• Belgium: The Belgian market is showing impressive growth, with a +25% increase in arrivals. This trend is reinforced by the second consecutive year of direct flights with Transavia, which connects Thessaloniki with Brussels.
• Sweden: Sweden records a +45% increase in arrivals, with SUNWEB playing a central role in this growth, making Sweden one of the most dynamic markets for Halkidiki. Until 2024, visitors from Sweden were isolated and numerically few, which also explains the large increase, which is due to TO Sunweb. Similarly, but on a smaller scale, is Denmark, where SUNWEB is starting a small program this year with the aim of growing it from 2026.
• Germany: Despite a decrease of 5%-7% in arrivals, Germany remains one of the most important markets for Halkidiki, with strategic actions underway to strengthen our presence.
• Poland: -5% small drop, but with enhanced air connectivity. LOT introduces a direct flight from Warsaw in June.
• Italy: New direct flights: EasyJet & Aegean are adding direct connections from Milan, which is the result of a 10-year effort by TOX in the Italian market in collaboration with the Public Relations Manager, Eleni Sarikosta.
• Balkan countries: With the full integration of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen free movement zone and the lifting of border controls at our land borders, we estimate that the season will gradually open up more, especially on weekends from May to October for Bulgarians, as well as from late May to early October for Romanians, who will now be able to travel easily without the 5-hour wait (Romania - Bulgaria - Greece). We expect that these periods will bring more visitors, who will be able to come at lower prices, thus boosting tourism in our regions.

TOX's work for the coming period includes digital campaigns in Germany, England, Sweden, and Denmark in collaboration with major Tour Operators, while at the same time, FAM & Press trips are being organized for next spring, promoting the destination and investing in quality services and authentic experiences.

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