Key figures in conference tourism gathered for a high-level session of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO)'s board at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall on Tuesday, 24 February.
The Thessaloniki Convention Bureau organised the event with support from local partners, including Grand Hotel Palace, Makedonia Palace, ON Residence, and Chef Stories. IAPCO, which represents top global congress organisers, drew participation from the Pieria Tourism Development and Promotion Organisation, represented by Katerini's Deputy Mayor for Tourism and Culture, Elina Diamantopoulou.
Diamantopoulou outlined Pieria's comparative advantages as a congress destination, highlighting its infrastructure, high-level hospitality services and the distinctive setting of the Olympus Riviera. She stressed that Pieria can be combined with a metropolitan centre such as Thessaloniki, noting that the proximity of the two areas expands organisers' options and enhances the overall appeal of hosting major conferences in the region.
Local officials say participation in the meeting strengthens the international promotion of the "Olympus Riviera" brand and advances a strategic push to grow conference tourism, opening new opportunities for partnerships and networking with global industry professionals.
