Eastern Macedonia and Thrace showcases “authentic Greece” at exclusive tourism workshop in Dedeağaç
The B2B event, held on June 5 at the historic Nomarchio building, brought together leading travel agents and tour operators from Germany, Austria, Poland, Moldova, and the Czech Republic. The initiative aimed to strengthen the region’s international visibility and foster new partnerships in key European tourism markets.
Organized by the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the workshop included business-to-business meetings between international tourism professionals and local enterprises, alongside a familiarization program designed to provide hands-on experience of the destination.
Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis stated that the region is implementing a coherent tourism development strategy focused on positioning Eastern Macedonia and Thrace as “Authentic Greece.” He emphasized systematic efforts to expand international outreach, enter new markets, and build strong partnerships with global tourism stakeholders, while highlighting the region’s cultural heritage, natural environment, and distinct identity.
He further stressed the importance of experiential tourism, noting that modern travelers increasingly seek authentic cultural engagement and direct interaction with local communities. According to him, the program shifts tourism networking directly into the destination itself, allowing visiting professionals to experience the region first-hand.
Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism Panagiotis Archontis described the workshop as a targeted outward-looking initiative that connects local tourism businesses with key European market actors. He highlighted the goal of building long-term collaborations, strengthening the region’s presence in international distribution networks, and translating market interest into tangible development opportunities for local communities.
During their visit, participants explored key sites across the Evros region, including the Meriç Delta—one of Europe’s most important wetlands—as well as the cross-border area of the Meriç River and historically significant towns such as Kumçiftliği, Dimetoka, and Sofulu. They also met local producers, entrepreneurs, and representatives of regional gastronomy, gaining a comprehensive overview of the area’s diversified tourism offering.
The initiative forms part of a broader regional strategy that will see the workshop hosted annually in different regional units of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, allowing each area to present its tourism potential directly to the international market.
