The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced that the Thessaloniki Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) joined as its first destination member from Greece. The Thessaloniki Convention&Visitors Bureau was founded by the Thessaloniki Hotel Association and operates as a nonprofit organization. It consists of, and is supported by, a number of members drawn from the city’s enterprises that work in the field of conference tourism, providing a wide range of services in connection with the organization of conventions, meetings, and other related activities. Thessaloniki has both hotel conference centers, as well as independent conference venues, and other unique locations where conferences can be held, such as museums and theatres.

Thessaloniki is the center of the Greek North and the country’s second largest city. With a history of twenty-three centuries reflected in its countless ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and modern monuments, this port city, now home to more than a million people, has always been a cosmopolitan metropolis and a powerful economic and cultural force throughout the entire southeastern European region. Today, more than ever, Thessaloniki is in a position to offer its visitors unique and unforgettable experiences.

The city has its own special atmosphere - a blend of western civilization and eastern influence – and its natural beauty spots and endless emerald-green shores are less than an hour away. Here, visitors can discover a fascinating journey into art and civilization through its museums, galleries, and unique monuments. In addition, Thessaloniki is renowned for its lively nightlife and is considered to be the gastronomic capital of the country, with famous restaurants and many local specialties.

ICTP Chairman Juergen T. Steinmetz said: “The Thessaloniki Convention&Visitors Bureau excels as a destination choice for conference organizers, and ICTP is proud to have it join as a destination member. The city of Thessaloniki has a wide selection of venues and hotels open all year round.” Thessaloniki has hosted major international events such as: the Cultural Capital of Europe in 1997, the European Council Meeting (EU Summit) in 2003, and football matches of the 2004 Olympics.