Greek exhibitions: A Driving Force for the economy
Annual spending of €340 million from nearly 900,000 visitors in Greece is recorded by the survey conducted by SOKEE in collaboration with ALCO, highlighting the role of exhibitions in economic activity, extroversion, and tourism flow.
The contribution of exhibitions to the economy, tourism, and the international promotion of the country is highlighted through the new study titled “Greek Exhibitions: Visitor and Exhibitor Survey – The profile and economic behavior of exhibitors and visitors”, carried out by the Greek Exhibition Industry Association (SOKEE) in collaboration with the research company ALCO. The results of the study were presented on Thursday, March 26, 2026, providing for the first time a systematic look at the actual economic footprint of the exhibition sector in Greece.
The survey was conducted during 2025 with the participation of 2,466 individuals from 61 countries, of whom 2,141 were visitors and 325 exhibitors. The data reflects the strong activity generated by the sector, as exhibitions in Greece attract on average approximately 895,000 visitors annually, with more than 45,000 coming from abroad. At the same time, around 12,500 exhibitors participate annually, including approximately 1,250 international exhibitors.
This activity generates significant tourism flow and direct economic activity across multiple sectors. According to the survey findings, 6 out of 10 visitors travel to the exhibition destination accompanied by others, resulting in exhibitions being associated generating more than 1.5 million overnight stays each year. These stays complement the traditional summer tourism model, as they peak during the October–April period.
As emphasised by Alexis Lagoudakis, Member of the SOKEE Board and CEO of Metropolitan Expo, who presented the study: “Exhibitions in Greece are estimated to contribute 342.4 million euros to the tourism sector (travel, accommodation, catering). The largest part of this expenditure comes from Greek visitors, contributing approximately 200.6 million euros, while the spending of Greek exhibitors is estimated at 23.3 million euros. Particularly significant is also the contribution of international participants, as visitors from abroad spend a total of 111.4 million euros, while foreign exhibitors contribute an additional 7.1 million euros.”
These figures confirm that exhibitions function as an important driver for strengthening the local economy, generating revenue and activity in sectors such as transport, hospitality, and catering. At the same time, they significantly contribute to enhancing the outward orientation of the Greek economy by attracting high-value visitors from abroad, with an average expenditure reaching €3,063 euros and an average stay of 4.2 nights.
Particularly positive are the data regarding the experience of participating in Greek exhibitions. The average satisfaction rating reaches 8 out of 10, rising to 8.6 out of 10 among international visitors. At the same time, 88% of visitors and exhibitors state that Greece itself is a strong incentive for their participation in exhibition events.
The presentation of the survey aims to open a broader dialogue on the role of exhibitions in economic development and the prospects for further strengthening the exhibition sector in the country.
The Deputy Minister of Development responsible for Research and Innovation, Mr. Stavros Kalafatis, emphasised the significant contribution of the sector to growth, innovation, and the outward orientation of the tourism product.
“You represent a sector with multiplier economic benefits for a wide range of cooperating industries,” the Deputy Minister underlined, adding: “In recent years, our country has experienced substantial growth in the field of trade fair organisation and has attracted major investments, such as new modern exhibition centers capable of hosting large exhibitions and more visitors. The way you are developing is aligned with how modern Greece—the Government and the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis—envisions the development of our future, moving toward a new growth model with an emphasis on innovation and new technologies,” Mr. Kalafatis noted. He added: “The faster the manufacturing and exhibition-organising industry enters this new era, the faster and more easily it will secure its share of future success.”
During his speech, the President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mr. Giannis Bratakos, highlighted the importance of exhibitions as a tool for strengthening the country’s productive base. He stressed that the development of the sector requires clear strategic direction and high-quality, specialised content that meets the modern needs of businesses. He placed particular emphasis on extroversion, noting that through the strong presence of Greek companies at exhibitions, exports can increase, GDP can be boosted, and even higher growth rates can be achieved. As he stated, organised exhibition activity can act as a catalyst for the transition to a more resilient and competitive production model.
Theodore Vokos, President of SOKEE and CEO of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., stated:
“The results of the survey we presented today clearly confirm that the exhibition industry constitutes a dynamic and multifaceted driver of growth for the Greek economy. Exhibitions are not only hubs for business promotion and networking, but also significant catalysts of economic activity, which enhance tourism, support the local economy, and substantially contribute to the outward orientation of Greek businesses.
The findings highlight the strong footprint of the industry, both in terms of visitation and economic spending, as well as the high regard in which Greek exhibitions are held by visitors and exhibitors from Greece and abroad. For SOKEE, these findings are both a confirmation of the sector’s momentum and a starting point for further strengthening and international development of exhibitions in our country.”
The event concluded with the traditional Vasilopita cutting ceremony and a reception.