The rare beauty of Halkidiki's beaches was showcased in Sicily for the first time during a tourism roadshow held in Palermo and Catania, marking what local officials described as the destination's initial organised effort to engage the Sicilian market.
During the events, journalists and travel agents received a comprehensive overview of Halkidiki's natural environment, hospitality, and tourism infrastructure through destination presentations and targeted B2B meetings with tourism professionals.
In a related announcement, Halkidiki Tourism Organisation noted that participants responded positively, showing a strong affinity for Greece and Greek culture. Increased interest was also observed in school trips and educational visits, creating opportunities for the growth of specialised tourism segments.
A series of meetings took place with representatives of the Sicilian tourism sector, including Gianluca Glorioso, President of the Sicilian Travel Agents, and Alessandro Anello, Tourism Councillor of the Municipality of Palermo. Special focus was given to discussions with Valeria Rebasti, International Market Director at the airline Volotea, which examined the possibility of launching a direct air route between Sicily and Thessaloniki. The announcement stated that such a connection would "significantly enhance the accessibility of Halkidiki."
According to the announcement, ongoing efforts, in cooperation with a public relations office in Italy, have already improved air connectivity between Italy and Thessaloniki. Currently, direct flights operate from various Italian cities to Thessaloniki's "Makedonia" Airport, including Rome, Milan, Venice, and Bolzano, operated by Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet, and Sky Alps, with some routes seasonal.
The presence of Halkidiki reportedly marked the first structured promotional effort for the destination in Sicily, aiming to open "new horizons for strengthening tourist flows from the Italian market." Organisers also noted that plans are underway for the first press and familiarisation trip from Sicily to Halkidiki, intended to promote the region further.
Participation was part of a roadshow organised by the Italian branch of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, which also involved the regional administrations of Attica and Crete, contributing to the broader promotion of Greece as a "multidimensional and attractive tourism destination."
