Ionian Islands at World Travel Market

This year, the Ionian Islands Region has made a strong and distinct impression at the World Travel Market 2024, securing the best possible exposure by participating with its own independent booth for the first time at London’s major tourism exhibition. This marks the second consecutive international tourism exhibition where the region has done so, following its presence at the ITB in Berlin last March.

The autonomous and dynamic participation of the Ionian Islands Region in major international tourism exhibitions was a campaign promise of Regional Governor Yiannis Trepeklis.

"The presence of the Regional Governor at an international exhibition like this one in London sends a clear message to all: that our destination is safe, high-quality and respectful toward visitors. This is what my presence at the World Travel Market and other major tourism exhibitions signifies. It’s about highlighting that the Ionian Islands Region—all its destinations, from the largest to the smallest islands—are safe, attractive destinations where visitors can expect top-quality services," stated Ionian Islands Regional Governor Yiannis Trepeklis during this year’s exhibition in the British capital.

Mr. Trepeklis also stated that the Greek National Tourism Organisation's policy of prioritising space for business enterprises over local authorities, such as municipalities and regional governments, is not ideal, as the primary focus should be on promoting the destination itself. He cited Italy as an example, where regional representations are central to the pavilion, with tourism businesses surrounding them in smaller spaces.

"Here in London, the heart of the tourism economy beats strongly. This is a tourism exhibition with participation from over 180 countries, which fully reflects the significance and power of the World Travel Market," said the Regional Governor, adding:

"There is intense competition, and that’s why we decided to be present and showcase our comparative advantages as best we can—our natural beauty and cultural wealth. Additionally, we wanted to secure a respectable space where tourism professionals can make contacts and hold meetings for the upcoming tourist season.

"In previous years, we were, unfortunately, the ‘poor relatives,’ hosted within the GNTO pavilion. This year, we chose to go independent, and the immense potential of our Region is already starting to show. Our booth has made a great impression, receiving flattering comments from everyone, and the feedback from the British market about the 2025 tourism season is more than encouraging.

"What I promise is that every year we will strive to improve our Region's presence at international exhibitions of this calibre, with the best possible space to promote our islands properly and enable our businesspeople to conduct essential meetings with tour operators and other tourism stakeholders."

Governor Trepeklis stated from London that the goal of the Ionian Islands Region’s tourism promotion strategy is twofold: first, to maintain its strength in traditional markets that have long supported the tourism product of the Ionian Islands, such as the British and Italian markets; and second, to penetrate new and emerging tourism markets as effectively as possible, thereby increasing its share and strengthening its position in the global tourism industry’s competitive landscape. Such new markets include the United States and China.

He also pointed out that the Ionian Islands Region has already planned a set of actions and initiatives to open doors to these new markets. He mentioned the Region’s upcoming presence at the international tourism exhibition in Manhattan, New York, at the end of January, where efforts will also leverage the strong influence of the expatriate Ionian community, as well as plans to promote the Region in major European capitals—starting with London—by creating 'Ionian Weeks', during which various events will showcase the Ionian Islands.

However, Governor Trepeklis also stressed the need to upgrade public infrastructure through cooperation between the government and local authorities, noting that while the private sector is making significant investments and development is continually growing, the demand for better and more modern infrastructure is also rising. According to Mr. Trepeklis, it is the duty of local government authorities to ensure quality of life for residents while also offering adequate services and public infrastructure to visitors.

It’s worth noting that at this year’s World Travel Market, taking place from November 5 to 7, at London’s ExCeL exhibition centre, Greece is a premium partner country, recognized as one of the world’s top tourism destinations. The exhibition’s opening ceremony was conducted by Greece’s Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefaloyianni. WTM 2024 features 184 countries and nearly 4,000 exhibitors, a record number for London’s major tourism exhibition.

The outstanding presence of the Ionian Islands Region at this year’s World Travel Market has also been significantly supported by the staff of the Region’s Tourism Department, who, with their experience and promotional materials, are enhancing the tourism brand of the Ionian Islands.

Photo: Ionian Islands Regional Authority