Philoxenia 2026 International Tourism Exhibition

Philoxenia 2026, the international tourism exhibition organised by HELEXPO, takes place from 13 November to 15 November 2026 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center in northern Greece. It brings together destinations, hoteliers, tour operators and tourism technology companies, and is aimed mainly at travel trade professionals. This guide covers dates, opening hours, travel and planning for agency delegations.

About Philoxenia

Philoxenia is a long-established tourism exhibition in Greece, held each autumn in Thessaloniki by HELEXPO, the organiser of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center. It runs alongside Hotelia, the exhibition for hotel equipment and services, and in recent years alongside FOOD & DRINKS by Detrop, linking tourism with gastronomy.

According to the official Philoxenia website, exhibitors can take part in two specialised business meeting programmes, and a Tech Hub zone is dedicated to tourism and hospitality technology. A conference programme runs during the fair, with sessions listed on the official site. HELEXPO reported more than 20,000 visitors from 47 countries across the joint Philoxenia, Hotelia and FOOD & DRINKS by Detrop exhibitions in November 2025.

For agencies from North Africa, the Gulf and the Levant, the fair is a practical way to meet Greek regions, hotels and incoming operators in one place, and to see new products for the following season.

Philoxenia 2026 dates and venue

The organiser lists Philoxenia 2026 from Friday 13 November to Sunday 15 November 2026 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center. Opening hours are 11:00 to 20:00 on Friday, 10:00 to 20:00 on Saturday and 10:00 to 18:00 on Sunday.

The organiser says entry is free for trade visitors who register, while members of the general public need a ticket. Registration is available on the official website. The exhibition centre is on Egnatia Street, close to the White Tower, the Aristotle University campus and the city's waterfront.

How to get to Thessaloniki for Philoxenia

Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG) is the city's international airport, with connections to European hubs and seasonal and year-round routes from other regions. Travellers from further afield can also connect via Athens International Airport (ATH). Buses, taxis and transfers link SKG with the city centre.

The exhibition centre is in central Thessaloniki, so many hotels are within walking distance or a short taxi ride. The city's metro also serves the centre. Travellers should check the official entry requirements for Greece before booking.

Where to stay

The city centre around Aristotelous Square, the Ladadika district and the seafront near the White Tower are all convenient for the exhibition centre. Kalamaria, to the south-east, offers quieter options with links to the centre.

Thessaloniki hosts several events in November, so book hotels near the exhibition centre early, especially for exhibitor teams and groups.

Planning a group trip to Philoxenia

Agencies attend Philoxenia to meet Greek destinations, hoteliers and tour operators, to find new suppliers and to follow trends in tourism technology. Before travelling, register as a trade visitor, review the exhibitors catalogue on the official site and request meetings in advance. Exhibitors can ask the organiser about the business meeting programmes.

A delegation trip can add a day in Thessaloniki for site inspections, a walk through the Upper Town and the Byzantine monuments, or an excursion to Halkidiki for agencies selling Greek beach holidays.

Frequently asked questions

When is Philoxenia 2026?

The organiser lists Philoxenia 2026 from 13 to 15 November 2026 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center. It opens at 11:00 on Friday and 10:00 on Saturday and Sunday.

Is Philoxenia open to the public?

Yes. Trade visitors enter free with registration, and members of the public can buy a ticket. Details and online tickets are on the official Philoxenia website.

What else runs alongside Philoxenia?

Philoxenia runs together with Hotelia, the hotel equipment exhibition. Recent editions have also been held alongside FOOD & DRINKS by Detrop. Check the official website for the 2026 parallel events.

Which airport serves Philoxenia?

Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG) is the nearest airport. Travellers can also connect through Athens International Airport (ATH) and fly or take the train north to Thessaloniki.

How can agencies arrange meetings at Philoxenia?

Use the exhibitors catalogue on the official website to identify partners and contact them before the fair. Exhibitors can also join the organiser's business meeting programmes.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to Philoxenia in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.