Philoxenia Strengthens the Role of the Greek Meetings Alliance

ATHENS, Greece - 20 November 2025

With a central message focused on further strengthening partnerships within the conference and events sector, the Greek Meetings Alliance (GMA) participated in the 40th Philoxenia, held in Thessaloniki from November 14 to 16, 2025.

The GMA represents a strategic partnership between the City of Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau (This is Athens), operating under the Develop Athens S.A. , the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau (TCB), and the Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers (HAPCO & DES). This alliance unites the forces of the Greek conference and exhibition market, promoting the Greek MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) product as a unified entity and establishing a dynamic presence both domestically and internationally.

The landmark 40th Philoxenia focused on the transformation brought about by technology, digitization, and Artificial Intelligence in how business travel and events are conducted. In this new landscape, the collective momentum represented by the GMA becomes even more critical, enhancing Greece’s ability to evolve, innovate, and claim its position on the international conference map.

Unified Strategic Vision

Mr. Ioannis Georgizas, CEO of Develop Athens S.A., stated regarding GMA’s participation:

"The 40th Philoxenia is an established institution for the country's tourism and MICE industry. Our presence in Thessaloniki as This is Athens – CVB, alongside HAPCO & DES and the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau, confirms our steady commitment to connecting stakeholders and formulating a common, effective strategy.

As the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency, we work systematically to realize the vision of the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, aiming for an Athens that strengthens its conference footprint in terms of quality, sustainability, and international competitiveness. This is Athens - CVB serves as a central lever in this effort, promoting the city's international networking and highlighting Athens as a high-value destination.

Our joint participation in Philoxenia underscores that strategic alliances are not merely useful, but necessary for the further empowerment of our role in the global MICE environment."

Mr. Prodromos Monastiridis, President of the Board of Directors of the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau, underscored:

"This year's anniversary 40th Philoxenia finds Thessaloniki at its peak in the international conference market. Through our joint participation again this year with the other two members of the Greek Meetings Alliance, ACVB and HAPCO & DES, we wish to express—including through the institution of this major exhibition—our intention to promote the development of the conference and business travel market at a national level. Our common goal is the creation of a national body for the promotion and visibility of the Greek conference market internationally.

Congratulations to Philoxenia, which celebrates 40 years of uninterrupted presence and exceptionally significant contribution to the development of international partnerships, the strengthening of Greek tourism products, and the promotion of the host destination."

Ms. Antonia Alexandrou, President of the Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers (HAPCO & DES), pointed out:

"The 40th Philoxenia constitutes a particularly important milestone for Greek tourism and the dynamically growing MICE industry. Our joint presence, within the framework of the Greek Meetings Alliance, together with the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau and the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau, underscores our commitment to cooperation and the promotion of a unified, coordinated national strategy for the development of conferences and corporate events in Greece.

HAPCO & DES, as the institutional body for professionals in the conference and exhibition sector, actively supports all initiatives that enhance our country's competitiveness and contribute to establishing Greece as a top international destination for professional meetings."