Promotion of Ionian Islands in Spanish market
CORFU. Promotion of Ionian Islands at international tourism exhibition in Barcelona.
(Ionian Islands Regional Authority) The outward-looking strategy of the Ionian Islands Region was highlighted at a tourism promotion event held on November 17, 2025, at the iconic Condes de Barcelona Hotel in Barcelona, as part of the international IBTM 2026 exhibition.
In a pre-recorded message, Yiannis Trepeklis, Governor of the Ionian Islands, emphasised that participation in leading international events is a steadfast and non-negotiable priority, stating that “outward orientation is the cornerstone of our tourism strategy.”
Governor Trepeklis also drew attention to the shared characteristics of Greece and Spain, noting that the Ionian Islands offer a strong identity, natural beauty, reliable infrastructure, and high-value experiences. These qualities combine to provide a comprehensive and safe tourism product capable of expanding its presence in the Spanish market.
The event targeted the Spanish market broadly, with a particular focus on Catalonia. More than sixty high-level professionals—including journalists, influencers, bloggers, tour operators, and travel agents—attended the presentation, which highlighted the Ionian Islands’ potential in thematic, gastronomic, and cultural tourism.
Organised under the auspices of the Hellenic Embassy in Spain and supported by Sol de Grecia, the event benefited from meticulous planning and smooth execution.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore local products from the Ionian Islands, participate in targeted B2B meetings, and attend a degustation reception, fostering prospects for immediate collaborations.
Hoteliers from the Ionian Islands played a key role, with notable contributions from Voulgaris Hospitality Group and Zante Hospitality Group, who provided overnight stays for raffles, showcasing the high standard of regional accommodations. The Corfu Chamber of Commerce further supported the event by supplying local products, enhancing the gastronomic promotion of the region.
The Vice President of the Zakynthos Chamber of Commerce, Iakovos Kontaratos, was also present, while the initiative was coordinated and supervised by Giorgos Papavlasopoulos, Head of Tourism of the Corfu Regional Unit.
The initiative, part of the Ionian Islands Region’s ambitious and targeted promotional strategy, concluded with highly positive results, opening new avenues for collaboration in the Spanish market—particularly Catalonia—and further strengthening the region’s tourism footprint in a key European market.
ELENI KORONAKI
