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Thessaloniki Book Fair
The Thessaloniki Book Fair has, over the past two decades, grown into one of the most important literary gatherings in Southeast Europe. Since its founding in 2004 by the National Book Centre of Greece, the fair has steadily developed from a national initiative into a truly international cultural event. Today, it stands as a vibrant meeting point for publishers, authors, translators, and readers who gather each year to celebrate the written word and explore new literary perspectives.
From the very beginning, the Thessaloniki Book Fair was conceived as more than a commercial marketplace. It was envisioned as a cultural bridge — a space where ideas, languages, and identities could meet. In 2014, responsibility for the event passed to the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, an institution that further strengthened its international outlook. Under its guidance, the fair has embraced a broader mission: to promote intercultural dialogue while reinforcing Greece’s role within the global literary community.
Thessaloniki Book Fair at the Heart of a Cultural Crossroads
The event takes place at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, widely known as the Helexpo Grounds. Located in the center of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, the venue reflects the fair’s accessibility and openness. Thessaloniki itself has long been considered a cultural crossroads of the Balkans, shaped by diverse influences from Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and beyond. This historical depth lends the fair a unique atmosphere that few other book events can replicate.
The exhibition center, organized by TIF-HELEXPO S.A., offers modern infrastructure capable of hosting both professional meetings and large public gatherings. Spacious halls accommodate publishers’ stands, while auditoriums and smaller conference rooms provide space for presentations, debates, and literary readings. The central location encourages visitors to combine their participation in the fair with exploring the city’s lively streets, seaside promenades, and historic landmarks.
What distinguishes the Thessaloniki Book Fair is its dual character. It successfully merges the structure of a professional trade fair with the openness of a public cultural festival. Industry professionals negotiate rights, discuss translations, and establish publishing partnerships, while readers attend book signings, panel discussions, and thematic exhibitions.
Cultural Dialogue and the Theme “Shared Horizons”
Each year, the fair adopts a central theme that frames its discussions and programming. This year’s theme, “Shared Horizons,” highlights the cultural ties between Greece and Italy, exploring the historical and contemporary connections that unite the two countries. Through joint panels, guest authors, and collaborative publishing initiatives, the theme encourages reflection on how literature transcends borders and fosters mutual understanding.
Beyond the main focus, the fair shines a spotlight on literature from the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkan region. These areas are authentically represented by Thessaloniki as host city, given its geographic and cultural positioning. Authors and publishers from neighboring countries find here a welcoming stage to present their work to an international audience.
Key elements that shape the fair’s cultural program include:
International author readings and moderated discussions
Translation forums that connect publishers with literary agents
Thematic exhibitions dedicated to regional literary traditions
Workshops for young writers and emerging translators
Through these initiatives, the Thessaloniki Book Fair emphasizes diversity not as a slogan, but as a lived experience. Conversations range from contemporary fiction and poetry to social issues, historical memory, and the future of publishing in the digital age.
A Platform for Professional Exchange and Public Engagement
While the literary atmosphere is celebratory, the professional dimension remains equally significant. The fair provides a structured environment for networking within the book industry. Publishers, booksellers, librarians, and cultural institutions use the event to strengthen partnerships and explore new markets. Rights negotiations and translation agreements often begin in the quieter corners of the exhibition halls, laying the groundwork for future collaborations.
At the same time, the fair maintains open access for the general public. Visitors of all ages attend events, browse newly released titles, and engage directly with authors. This openness reinforces the idea that literature belongs not only to professionals but to society as a whole.
Among the fair’s recurring priorities are:
Encouraging international publishing cooperation.
Supporting emerging authors and translators.
Promoting reading culture among younger generations.
Creating dialogue around social and cultural challenges.
By combining business and creativity, the Thessaloniki Book Fair sustains a delicate balance. It respects the economic realities of the publishing industry while preserving the emotional and intellectual value of literature.
In essence, the Thessaloniki Book Fair has evolved into far more than an annual event. It is a living cultural forum where regional voices meet global perspectives. Against the backdrop of Thessaloniki’s rich history and dynamic present, the fair continues to build bridges between languages, traditions, and ideas reaffirming the enduring power of books to connect people across shared horizons.
Hotelia
The Hotelia in Thessaloniki, an annual trade fair, stands out as one of the leading platforms for hotel equipment, catering, and coffee services in Southeast Europe. Every November, professionals gather at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center to explore new ideas, discover reliable partners, and reflect on how the hospitality sector continues to evolve. More than a commercial exhibition, Hotelia has become a meeting point where tradition and innovation meet, and where the future of Greek and regional tourism is actively shaped.
From the first day of the event, the atmosphere feels purposeful. Hotel owners, architects, chefs, baristas, suppliers, and consultants walk through the exhibition halls with a shared intention: to strengthen their businesses and adapt to the expectations of a new generation of travelers. Organized by Helexpo SA, a respected name in the trade fair industry, Hotelia is carefully structured to serve professionals who are serious about development and long-term strategy.
Hotelia in Thessaloniki as a Professional Hub for Hospitality Innovation
Unlike general consumer exhibitions, Hotelia focuses exclusively on industry professionals. This specialization creates a focused and productive environment. Exhibitors present solutions that respond directly to real operational needs, from interior design upgrades to advanced digital management tools. Visitors are not passive observers; they are decision-makers looking for practical answers.
The exhibition showcases a broad spectrum of offerings that reflect the complexity of modern hospitality. Among the key areas represented at the fair are:
hotel furnishings and decorative concepts that combine comfort with aesthetic identity
catering equipment designed for efficiency and high performance
innovative digital platforms for reservations, customer management, and analytics
sustainable building materials and eco-conscious operational solutions
specialized coffee equipment and premium products for cafés and hotel bars
Each category reveals how expectations have shifted. Guests now demand not only comfort but also authenticity, sustainability, and seamless service. Hotelia responds by bringing together companies that help businesses meet those demands without compromising profitability.
What makes the experience particularly engaging is the opportunity for direct dialogue. Manufacturers and service providers explain their concepts in detail, while visitors share their challenges openly. These conversations often lead to partnerships that extend well beyond the exhibition days.
Synergy with Philoxenia and a Holistic View of Tourism
A distinctive feature of Hotelia is its concurrent organization with the Philoxenia Tourism Exhibition. This parallel event expands the perspective from hospitality infrastructure to the broader tourism ecosystem. The coexistence of the two exhibitions encourages cross-sector dialogue, connecting accommodation providers with destination marketers, travel agencies, and regional tourism authorities.
This synergy creates a holistic approach to development. Hoteliers do not only focus on upgrading rooms or kitchens; they also consider how their properties fit into wider tourism strategies. The combined exhibitions highlight the importance of collaboration between accommodation, gastronomy, and destination branding.
In addition to the main exhibition areas, Hotelia is enriched by thematic side events that add depth and specialization. The most anticipated among them are:
ALL ABOUT GASTRONOMY, featuring culinary demonstrations, trend analyses, and discussions on menu innovation
ALL ABOUT COFFEE, dedicated to the art and science of coffee preparation, roasting, and service excellence
interactive workshops where professionals exchange practical know-how and case studies
expert-led presentations on sustainability and operational efficiency
networking sessions designed to connect suppliers with decision-makers
These parallel activities transform Hotelia into more than a product showcase. They create a learning environment where participants refine their skills and broaden their strategic vision.
Innovation, Sustainability, and Education at the Core of Hotelia
At the heart of Hotelia lies a strong commitment to innovation and education. The fair reflects the growing awareness that hospitality must adapt to environmental challenges and evolving consumer values. Eco-friendly construction methods, energy-efficient systems, and waste-reduction strategies are no longer optional additions; they are becoming essential standards.
Exhibitors present modern building specifications that respect the environment while enhancing the overall value of accommodations. Sustainable materials, smart energy management solutions, and water-saving technologies demonstrate that responsibility and profitability can go hand in hand. These solutions are especially relevant as guests increasingly choose hotels that align with their personal values.
Digital transformation is another recurring theme. From cloud-based management systems to automated guest communication platforms, technology helps hotels operate more efficiently and personalize their services. By integrating these tools, businesses can better understand customer behavior, optimize pricing strategies, and create smoother guest journeys.
Education plays a crucial role in this transformation. Through seminars and expert discussions, Hotelia encourages participants to rethink established practices. Topics such as targeting new customer categories, refreshing brand identity, and strengthening online presence are explored in practical detail. The fair becomes a space where knowledge circulates freely and where experience is shared across generations of professionals.
Adapting to a Competitive and Changing Market
The hospitality market is more competitive than ever. Consumer preferences shift quickly, influenced by global trends, economic pressures, and technological advances. In this environment, standing still is not an option. Hotelia supports businesses in staying agile by exposing them to fresh ideas and proven solutions.
By attending the fair, hoteliers and service providers gain clarity about market direction. They see how sustainability can enhance brand reputation, how design can shape emotional experiences, and how digital tools can streamline operations. They also witness firsthand how gastronomy and coffee culture continue to evolve as central elements of guest satisfaction.
Ultimately, Hotelia in Thessaloniki represents more than an annual trade fair. It is a dynamic forum where innovation, collaboration, and education intersect. It strengthens the regional hospitality industry while connecting it to international standards and trends. For professionals seeking growth, inspiration, and meaningful partnerships, Hotelia remains a vital destination each November a place where the future of hospitality is not only discussed, but actively created.
