![Greek Tourism: Significant increase in bookings from Belgium](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/touristesakropoli-958x598-1.jpg)
Significant increase for 2022 of reservations and airline seats from Belgium to Greece, with the inclusion of additional routes to 20 direct Greek destinations. This was ascertained during this year’s 63rd Tourism Exhibition “Salon des Vacances”, held in Brussels with the participation of the EOT Service of the Netherlands.
It is characteristic that, for the period from May 22 to September 18, 2022, Aegean Airlines adds an additional daily flight to Kalamata, while new flights to Samos and Lesvos are included in the program by TUI and Corendon.
In fact, in view of the start of the new flight to Kalamata, a special event was held at the Greek kiosk to present the destination, in collaboration with the company Costa Navarino. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Greece to Belgium, Dionysios Kalambrezos and many Belgian TOs and journalists, while a travel lottery was sponsored by Aegean Airlines.
EOT took part in the Exhibition with a stand of 200 sq.m. having as partners and co-sponsors the Regions of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, Central Macedonia, Epirus, North Aegean, Crete, Ionian Islands and Central Greece, the Municipalities of Volos-Pelion, Eastern and Western Samos, the Tourism Organization of Halkidiki, and sector firms.
A total of 156 exhibitors and 128 co-sponsors from 46 destinations participated in the Exhibition, while it was visited by 28,695 visitors and more than 130 journalists. According to a survey conducted by the organizers, 49% of visitors were Flemish and 51% Walloons (French speaking Belgians), who travel an average of 2.5 times each year, with average annual spending of 3,395 euros. The main reasons for their visit to the Exhibition were the search for inspiration and information technology for future trips at a rate of 60% and 66%, respectively, as well as the possibility of booking a future holiday destinations (23%).
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