Thessaloniki continues to leave its mark on the international tourism map, earning a major distinction for the second consecutive year at the Greek Travel Awards, held as part of the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious tourism exhibitions.
After last year’s award for Best Gastronomic Destination, this year the city was named “Best City Break Destination 2025,” reaffirming its dynamic identity as a modern, outward-looking, and appealing city for international travelers. According to the Athens–Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), the award ceremony took place at the iconic Victoria & Albert Storehouse.
“There are cities you visit and cities you live in. Thessaloniki belongs to the latter,” said Dr. Oudatzi, lecturer at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, commenting on the city’s new distinction.
“It is a living, experiential open-air museum where the past, present, and future coexist in a unique dialogue. From the Roman forums and Byzantine churches to the markets and the new waterfront, Thessaloniki is not a museum with an entrance ticket—it’s an experience you can touch, taste, and feel,” she added.
The Thessaloniki Tourism Organization (TTO) has, in recent years, implemented a comprehensive strategy to attract visitors by promoting the city as a city break destination and linking it with the wider region of Central Macedonia.
Through systematic participation in international exhibitions and workshops, targeted thematic campaigns, and promotional actions that highlight the city’s gastronomy, culture, and authenticity, the TTO aims not only to increase visitor numbers both quantitatively and qualitatively but also to enhance the visitor experience, according to the organization’s president.
