PHILOXENIA 2022 Looking Forward to

PHILOXENIA is the annual tourism exhibition that since its inauguration in 1985 outlines the profile of tourism business in the country, while maintaining its strong brand name through the years. Organised each November at the International Exhibition & Conference Centre of Thessaloniki it constitutes a very strong meeting point of tourism in Greece.

Hosted Buyers Programme PHILOXENIA 2022 will host about 120 renowned tourism professionals from abroad in the most well-organised B2B tourism exhibition programme in the wider region of South-eastern Europe.

PHILOXENIA Conference The International Conference of PHILOXENIA is now an integral part of the entire event, which aims to explore current issues of concern to the tourism business community in the country. Renowned Greek and foreign speakers from the field of tourism, academics, researchers, representatives of organisations and prominent executives of tourism companies, meet at the conference panels presenting studies, views and successful case studies that highlight the quality characteristics of the tourism product.

VIRTUAL YOKOHAMA INTERACTIVE WEBSITE LAUNCHED

A new platform is on offer to introduce Japan’s 2nd largest city to tourism and MICE industries; The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau (YCVB) has launched a new website.

Named ‘Virtual Yokohama’, the platform allows the city to welcome business-related site visits virtually and to continue to compete for conventions amid governmental restrictions on international travel.

The interactive website features 360˚ images and videos of local scenery, landmarks, hotels, convention facilities, and attractions, alongside stylish illustrations by Satoshi Hashimoto, a Yokohama-born illustrator active in Japan and abroad.

As a compact city, with many of its major tourism attractions located within walking distance of its commercial hub, Yokohama suits both tourism and MICE needs, which is highlighted on the website.

There is information suitable for both day visitors and those spending the night. Options include 4 model itineraries, covering everything from classic tourist spots to off-the-beaten-track gems familiar only to local people, and half-day sightseeing tours, including those that trace the history of Yokohama’s port or showcase its panoramic views. 8 videos introduce unique venues where parties, seminars, and other business events can be held. Among those to choose from are Sky Garden, one of Japan’s highest observatory facilities; the historic Sankeien Garden; and Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, whose premises, which include an aquarium and amusement park, can be used exclusively.

DISCOVER ITALY The event where buyers meet the Italian hotels and operators Sestri Levante, March 30th-31st 2023 Since 1996 Discover Italy offers to sellers and buyers the opportunity to meet each other during a pure business day.

The 7th edition of Discover Italy will take place on the 30-31 March 2023 at the ex “Convento dell’Annunziata” in Sestri Levante.

At the 2022 edition hosted buyers came from Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, UAE, France, Finland, Germany, Israel, Italy, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, UK, Czech Republic, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Hungary, USA and Canada.

Discover Italy is a workshop entirely dedicated to the promotion of Italian trips and stays to a high number of selected buyers. More than 4,500 meetings and a 70% of new buyers were present compared to last year.