The Central Macedonia Region has intensified its efforts to promote its tourism offerings by participating in two major tourism event cycles: a two-day event in Sicily (Catania and Palermo) and the B2B Travel & MICE Event Athens 2026. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to expand its international reach and tap into new markets.
Central Macedonia’s Debut in Sicily Targets Italian Market
For the first time, the Central Macedonia Region made its presence felt in Sicily, with activities spanning Catania and Palermo. The events featured comprehensive presentations of Central Macedonia’s tourism product, complemented by B2B meetings with journalists and travel agents. Attendees gained insights into the region’s thematic routes and alternative tourism forms, including cultural, natural, and gastronomic experiences. The Tourism Organization of Halkidiki, the Region of Attica, and the Region of Crete also participated, collectively promoting Greece as a modern and competitive tourism destination.
Vicky Chatzivasileiou, Vice Governor for Tourism, emphasized the strategic importance of these engagements. “The presence of the Central Macedonia Region in Sicily is part of the broader plan to strengthen outward-looking promotion and systematically approach new tourism markets. The contacts made, as well as the discussion about a possible direct air connection with Thessaloniki, create positive prospects for further developing cooperation with the Italian market,” she stated.
Key meetings were held with influential figures in the Sicilian tourism market, including Gianluca Glorioso, President of Sicilian Travel Agents, and Alessandro Anello, Tourism Advisor of the Palermo Municipality. A significant discussion also took place with Valeria Rebasti, Director of International Markets at Volotea airline, regarding the establishment of a direct air link between Sicily and Thessaloniki. Such a connection would significantly enhance the existing air connectivity between Central Macedonia and the Italian market.
Currently, direct flights from Italy to Thessaloniki “Macedonia” Airport are available from several cities:
- Rome (Fiumicino) – Aegean Airlines, Ryanair
- Milan (Bergamo) – Ryanair
- Milan (Malpensa) – Aegean Airlines, easyJet (seasonal)
- Venice (Treviso) – Ryanair
- Bolzano – Sky Alps (seasonal)
- Bologna – Ryanair (seasonal)
- Naples – Ryanair (seasonal)
The Sicilian tourism sector responded positively, showing particular interest in school trips and educational activities centered around museums and archaeological sites, which signals promising avenues for thematic tourism development.
Engaging with Global MICE Market at B2B Travel & MICE Event Athens 2026
Concurrently, the Central Macedonia Region also participated for the first time in the “B2B Travel & MICE Event Athens 2026,” held in Athens from March 30-31, 2026. This workshop, now in its 14th year, focuses on both leisure and congress/meeting tourism (MICE).
Vice Governor Chatzivasileiou highlighted the region’s commitment to this sector: “The participation of the Central Macedonia Region in the B2B Travel & MICE Event Athens highlights the dynamic potential of our destination in the conference and business tourism sector. This is an area with significant growth potential, in which the Region systematically invests, presenting a comprehensive and competitive tourism product.”
The event drew leading tour operators, travel agents, and MICE organizers from key European and international markets, including France, Germany, England, Cyprus, the United States, Romania, Turkey, and the Netherlands. During these meetings, Central Macedonia’s tourism profile was presented, emphasizing its rich culture, diverse natural environment, and renowned gastronomy. Significant interest was noted in wine tourism, religious tourism, and wellness tourism, underscoring the broad spectrum of experiences the region offers.
Source: https://tornosnews.gr/en/featured/central-macedonia-region-participates-in-tourism-events-in-sicily-and-athens.html
