The European Commission Representation in Greece will participate for the seventh consecutive year with its own Pavilion (No. 10) at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), hosting a wide range of events and information activities.

Pavilion Opening

Saturday, September 6, 12:00–13:00

Focusing on the Polycentric Museum of Aigai and the digital project Virtual Museum Alexander the Great: From Aigai to the Oikoumene, the Pavilion will highlight the cultural heritage of Macedonia. Addresses will be delivered by the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, and the Minister of Culture, Ms. Lina Mendoni, while the inauguration will be carried out by the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas. Visitors will have the chance to learn about this unique archaeological monument through rich photographic and audiovisual material.

Main Event: “Sustainable Tourism in the European Union”

Saturday, September 6, 13:00–15:00
Nikos Germanos Building, Amphitheater – Hall A

The event will include two thematic sessions:

European, National and Local Strategies for Sustainable Tourism
The European Commissioner, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, will engage in discussion with representatives of the Greek government and local authorities on designing strategies that promote sustainability in tourism at all levels of governance. Initiatives combining tourism development with environmental protection and support for local communities will be presented.

Speakers:

• Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism
• Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism
• Nikos Papathanasis, Alternate Minister of National Economy and Finance
• George Hatzimarkos, President of the Union of Greek Regions (ENPE), Governor of the South Aegean

The Role of Social Partners in Sustainable Tourism
A discussion on the role of businesses, tourism professionals, and other social partners in shaping a sustainable tourism model. The dialogue will highlight opportunities for synergies and the need for responsible and resilient practices in the sector.

Speakers:

• Yiannis Paraschis, President, Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE)
• Eftichios Vassilakis, Chairman of the Board, Aegean Airlines
• Alexandros Vassilikos, President, Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH)
• Anastasios Tzikas, Chairman of the Board, HELEXPO

The discussions will be moderated by journalist Niki Lymberaki (MEGA TV) and will be followed by an open dialogue with the audience.

Event: “Local Government and Its Contribution to Sustainable Tourism”

Sunday, September 7, 2024, 11:30–13:00
Nikos Germanos Building, Hall B

The event will be introduced by the Head of the European Commission Representation in Greece, Ms. Niovi Rigou.

Greetings will be delivered by the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and the Governor of Central Macedonia, Ms. Athina Athanasiadou-Aidona.

Speakers:

• Stelios Aggeloudis, Mayor of Thessaloniki
• Georgios Emmanouil, Mayor of Polygyros
• Yiannis Malandrakis, Mayor of Platanias
• Thodoris Tzoumas, Mayor of Skiathos
• Yiannis Triantafyllakis, Mayor of Xiromero
• Angelos Fragkakis, Mayor of Chalki

Moderator: journalist Kiki Tsiligkeridou (TV 100).

European Commission Representation Pavilion in Greece (No. 10)

At the Pavilion, visitors will be able to learn throughout the Fair about the EU’s policies and programs. They will also attend various events and activities organized by the Directorate-General for Employment (DG EMPL), the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), and the Europe Direct centers of Central Macedonia (Perrotis College), Thessaloniki, and Western Macedonia.

Specifically, visitors will be able to:

• Take part in the activity “Erasmus+ in Action – Best Practices and Green Mobility (Green Travel)”
• Attend the session “Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs – From Idea to Action!”
• “Travel” along the “Green Trails of Europe”
• Join an interactive game and win symbolic gifts while learning about the Schengen Agreement: “40 Years of Schengen: Spin the Wheel of Freedom”
• Take photos and learn about the authenticity of European Sustainable Tourism
• Join the tasting experience “Flavors of Europe” featuring local products with EU quality labels
• Participate in the event “Employment and Skills in the EU: Let’s Talk”

Participation in all activities is free of charge.