EOT at the “Arabian Travel Market” | Interest from Gulf countries, India, and Australia

The Secretary General of the Hellenic National Tourism Organization, Andreas Fiorentinos, and the President of the organization, Angela Gerekou, are holding strategic contacts with leading players in the Middle East tourism market in Dubai, as part of the participation of the Hellenic National Tourism Organization in the “Arabian Travel Market” (ATM) International Tourism Exhibition, the largest of its kind in the Middle East.

With the theme “Global Travel: “Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity” and aiming to strengthen global cooperation in tourism, this year’s event hosts more than 2,600 exhibitors from 161 countries, while it is expected to exceed 47,000 participations from industry professionals. The presence of Asia and India is particularly strong, recording an increase in participations from last year’s event by 27% and 41% respectively.

Meeting of the Secretary General of the Hellenic National Tourism Organization, A. Fiorentino and the President of the Hellenic National Tourism Organization, A. Gerekou, with the representatives of Air Arabia, Ms Shalini Rajan, head of UAE business unit & Mr Shahjad Naqvi, area manager UAE and the executives of Fraport Greece Katerina Pollatou and Haris Filos.

The Greek pavilion will feature co-exhibitors from tourism businesses, airlines, airports, cruise lines, start-ups, and regions of the country that operate in this geographical area.

During the contacts of the GNTO delegation, Greece's growing potential in the Middle East for this year's tourist season was confirmed. Specifically:

• The increase in air seats from Australia to Athens by 15% was discussed with Qatar Airways, with a view to further strengthening in 2025, the expansion of flights to Greek destinations and the possible restart of the route to Thessaloniki.

• Air Arabia is strengthening the Sharjah-Athens connection, adding new frequencies, now offering a daily connection and is considering expansion to other destinations with the support of the GNTO through joint marketing and publicity actions.

• Flydubai maintains connections to Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu and is considering expanding flights beyond the summer season, as well as adding new destinations in Greece for 2026.

Of particular importance was the meeting of Mr. Fiorentinos with the airline Emirates, within the framework of the existing cooperation governed by a Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties. During the meeting, a targeted set of promotional actions was agreed upon aimed at strengthening the company's year-round route to America, the markets of Japan and China (Shenzhen), which are showing strong momentum, as well as to Australia, for which connectivity with Greece is significantly enhanced during the summer season, in response to the ever-increasing demand.

The Secretary General of the Hellenic National Tourism Organization, A. Fiorentinos, and the President of the Hellenic National Tourism Organization, A. Gerekou, with FlyDubai representative, M Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, FlyDubai.

These actions confirm the constantly strengthening position of Greece as a popular destination in the Middle East market, with the Greek National Tourism Organization playing a decisive role in strengthening tourist flows through targeted synergies and promotional actions.

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