Photo source: TOH
As direct flight links expand and demand continues to rise, Halkidiki is accelerating its strategy to attract visitors beyond the summer peak, strengthening its presence in key European markets including Finland, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The Halkidiki Tourism Organization (HTO) recently completed a series of participations at major travel fairs across these markets, reporting encouraging signals in arrivals, early bookings, and airline connectivity.
From Helsinki’s MATKA 2026 and Dublin’s Holiday World Show to the Vakantiebeurs exhibition in Utrecht, the destination is positioning itself as a year-round choice for travelers seeking nature, culture, and authentic experiences.
Finland delivers early results
Photo source: TOH
In Finland, HTO’s three-year targeted outreach in Scandinavia is beginning to yield tangible results.
During MATKA 2026 (January 15–18), Halkidiki attracted strong interest from Finnish travelers focused on outdoor activities, experiential tourism and local culture. Meetings with major tour operators, including TUI Finland and the Apollo Group, further strengthened prospects for new travel packages.
Air connectivity is also expanding. Ryanair already operates a twice-weekly direct Helsinki–Thessaloniki service, while Finnair is set to launch a new route operating three times per week — an outcome HTO attributes to its sustained promotion in the Scandinavian market.
“The growing interest confirms the strategic direction of our outreach and supports the goal of extending the tourism season,” said HTO President Grigoris Tasios.
Ireland emerges as a growth market
Photo source: TOH
Ireland is also gaining momentum as a source market.
At the Holiday World Show in Dublin, HTO reported strong engagement and a clear appetite among Irish travelers for new destinations. Supported by Ryanair’s direct Dublin–Thessaloniki route, tourism flows to Halkidiki have increased steadily in recent years.
From April through October, 21,570 Irish visitors traveled to the region, either via tour operator Click to Go or independently.
During the exhibition, HTO Director George Broutzas held meetings with journalists and travel agencies, agreeing on new collaborations and future press trips. Around 600 visitors also participated in a major giveaway at the HTO stand, highlighting growing interest in the destination.
Dutch demand remains strong
Photo source: TOH
In the Netherlands, Halkidiki continues to consolidate its position among Dutch travelers.
At Vakantiebeurs 2026 in Utrecht, HTO showcased the region’s diverse offering, combining beaches, nature, gastronomy, culture, and alternative tourism.
More than 60,000 Dutch tourists visited Halkidiki during the April–October 2025 season, supported by direct flights to Thessaloniki, particularly through Transavia’s year-round service and EasyJet’s seasonal routes. Early package bookings for 2026 are already trending higher, although with slightly shorter stays.
Across all three markets, HOT says its participation in leading European travel fairs forms part of a broader strategy to boost Halkidiki’s international visibility, attract new audiences, and support tourism growth beyond the summer peak.
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