Published on
December 19, 2025
An effort to improve and position Greece as a destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism is being executed through the development of two major infrastructure projects. During SETE’s Tourism Ahead event, it was disclosed that Athens and Thessaloniki are making rapid progress to improve their conference and exhibition facilities, with this process already set to happen. This effort is set to address current demands, as well as prepare the country for future success in this competitive sector.
Athens: Transformation of Taekwondo Stadium into Conference Hub
One of the most ambitious projects is the transformation of the Taekwondo Olympic Stadium in Palaio Faliro into a modern conference and cultural venue. This iconic Olympic facility, located on the Athens Riviera, is poised to become a key destination for international events. Attica Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias outlined the project timeline at the SETE conference, revealing that the studies for the Taekwondo Stadium are expected to be completed by mid-2026, marking a significant step toward the stadium’s conversion. The plan is to attract international operators to ensure the long-term viability of the project, transforming it into a hub for conferences, cultural events, and more.
The future conference center will be strategically located within a larger coastal regeneration project at Faliro Bay, which includes the upcoming AENAON Metropolitan Park. This regeneration initiative will enhance the area’s appeal as a multifunctional destination, combining leisure, culture, and green infrastructure to attract both tourists and business travelers year-round. This development is set to drive future tourism growth by attracting not only MICE events but also leisure travelers, as the area becomes a central point for Greece’s diversified tourism strategy. The venue’s integration with the coastal regeneration project will offer long-term economic benefits, encouraging increased tourism investment and local business opportunities.
Thessaloniki: Redevelopment of International Exhibition Center
In Thessaloniki, the redevelopment of the city’s International Exhibition Center (TIF-Helexpo) is also advancing. This project aims to significantly expand the city’s capacity for hosting large-scale exhibitions, conferences, and other MICE events. Marina Kouri, Head of the Asset Development Plan (ADP) unit at Growthfund, confirmed that updated studies are underway, and the tender process for the 120-million-euro project is expected to begin in the first half of 2026. Construction is targeted for completion by 2029.
The redevelopment will include a massive 41,000-square-meter exhibition space, renovations to the existing Vellideio conference center, and the creation of extensive green areas covering around 100 hectares. These improvements are expected to increase Thessaloniki’s ability to attract both international exhibitors and visitors, further boosting the city’s appeal in the MICE tourism sector. The Thessaloniki Exhibition Center will be a key driver for the city’s tourism growth, enabling Greece to tap into the growing demand for convention tourism across Europe. The expansion of exhibition space and the integration of green infrastructure will likely encourage long-term sustainability and economic resilience, driving future growth in the region.
Strengthening Greece’s MICE Profile for Year-Round Tourism and Growth
Both projects highlight Greece’s commitment to diversifying its tourism offering and positioning itself as a year-round MICE destination. As Athens and Thessaloniki enhance their conference infrastructure, the MICE sector is expected to become an increasingly important part of Greece’s tourism economy, helping to balance the traditionally leisure-focused peak-season demand.
These initiatives will not only increase urban competitiveness but also create jobs, foster economic development, and contribute to Greece’s broader tourism strategy. The transformation of these spaces into modern venues for international events will attract a steady flow of visitors throughout the year, reducing Greece’s reliance on high-season leisure tourism and supporting long-term growth in the MICE market. Once completed, the Taekwondo Stadium and Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center will significantly enhance Greece’s profile on the global MICE map, making it a more attractive option for businesses, governments, and organizations seeking a dynamic location for meetings, exhibitions, and conventions.
Future Growth and Impact on Greece’s Tourism and Economy
The upgrades to these venues come at a pivotal moment for Greece, which has seen a rising interest in business tourism in recent years. By expanding its conference and exhibition facilities, Greece is positioning itself to capture a greater share of the European MICE market, which has experienced significant growth.
These projects are expected to lead to future tourism growth in both cities by providing the necessary infrastructure to host international conferences and trade shows, offering a broader range of options for business travelers and convention visitors. As Greece continues to focus on sustainable growth, the expanded conference centers will not only enhance the economy but also support green tourism initiatives.
The MICE sector will provide a critical tool for the long-term diversification of Greece’s tourism model, attracting more business events, which can increase visitor spending and year-round tourism flows. Additionally, the economic impact of hosting large-scale events will boost the hospitality sector, as well as local businesses and regional tourism.
Greece’s Commitment to MICE Tourism Growth and Sustainable Development
With the projects unfolding in Athens and Thessaloniki, the country has the potential to greatly influence the MICE tourism market on a global scale. This will also prove very beneficial for the tourism growth of the country as it will not only provide it with improved capability as a MICE tourist destination but will also ensure growth in the tourism sector. Looking ahead, the plan for green, modern, and sustainable tourism infrastructure by the Greek government will create a positive impact on the country as it will develop the potential for year-long tourism growth for the country, boosting the tourism domain by catering to all sorts of tourist groups.
