Visitor traffic at the 88th TIF exceeded all expectations

221,375 people crossed its gates from 7 to 15 September

The most successful event in terms of visitor numbers since 2019

The pavilion of Honoured Country Germany stole the show

The 88th Thessaloniki International Fair exceeded all expectations, attracting 221,375 visitors from September 7 to 15, which made it the most successful TIF — in terms of visitor traffic — since 2019. The pavilion of Honoured Country Germany stole the show with its green and intensely business-oriented aspect, as did pavilion 17, where the Akademia theme event took place, bursting with youthful energy and characterised by significant participations from Universities from Greece and Cyprus, as well as research institutions. 

At the same time, the three drone light shows made a bright and shiny impression, getting people to look up at the sky and enjoy a spectacle inspired by the 88th TIF, the German participation, and the most defining symbols of Thessaloniki. Grizzly Entertainment was responsible for this different type of aerial show. However, besides visitors, the 88th TIF also attracted the attention of 450 media outlets from all over Greece and Germany.

A strong message of growth and international cooperation

With more than 1300 exhibitors, 32,000 square meters of exhibition space, Germany as the Honoured Country with 135 enterprises and institutions, 25 international state participations, nine thematic events, and the dynamic presence of the Chambers of Greece with 350 companies from all over Greece under the auspices of the UHC, the 88th TIF conveyed a strong message of development and international cooperation.

The German participation was deemed a complete success, with the exhibitors of the German pavilion focusing on technology and innovation, and expressing their particular satisfaction with the contacts they made, while also being impressed by the attendance. In fact, during the 88th TIF and in the framework of its participation, 150 business and cultural events were organised. Germany’s participation was presented by the Ministry of Economy and Climate Change of Germany, it was organised by the Leipzig Exhibition Organisation (Leipziger Messe International), while the German Embassy, the German Consulate in Thessaloniki, and the Hellenic-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry contributed to the cultural and business programme.

At the same time, more than 170 enterprises from 10 countries — led by the Honoured Country — held more than 500 meetings during the 88th TIF, focused on tech solutions, such as cybersecurity, circular economy, Renewable Energy Sources, as well as food and sustainable building materials exports, in the context of the B2B event organised by FING, which is a member of the Enterprise Europe Network, in partnership with TIF-HELEXPO and the Leipzig Exhibition Organisation. Overall, however, along with the contacts businesses made at their stands, there were more than 1000 meetings, 360 of which were held between Greek and German companies. 

At the same time, the 88th TIF was also an opportunity for recreation for visitors, with dozens of events, concerts, and a rich programme for children. The Music Events stood out once again this year, with musical choices that covered all preferences and imbued the Fair with the rhythm of the stage. During this year’s event, people also had the opportunity to join CERN in celebrating its 70th birthday, at an anniversary exhibition where visitors participated in thrilling informative group tours, discovering how CERN impacts our daily lives and helps uncover the mysteries of the universe. The exhibition, according to visitors, was an unforgettable experience, full of enthusiasm and curiosity, above all else, about the science being done and the discoveries being made at CERN.
Also present were the Regions of Greece, each of which introduced its unique gastronomic identity with daily cookouts at pavilion 6. Visitors were also greatly interested in the sectors of energy, recycling, and circular economy, which were dynamically represented at the event. 

Lastly, the ZERO WASTE action that took place during the 88th TIF was crowned with success once again. Exhibitors and visitors participated actively and with great willingness.

The Sponsors and Supporters of the 88th TIF were the following:

NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE, Official Bank
PPC, Official Power Provider
AEGEAN AIRLINES, Official Airline
NOVA, Official Telecommunications Provider
LANCOM, OFFICIAL DATA CENTER / INTERNET PROVIDER
AUTO HERTZ, Official Transport Provider
PAPASTRATOS, Official Supporter of the 88th TIF
ATHENIAN BREWERY, OUR BEER ‘NYMFI’
MINISTRY OF HEALTH, Supporter of Social Programmes & Actions of the 88th TIF
DYPA, supporter of 88th TIF’s Training Actions
DIAGEO, with the ‘Johnnie Walker’ Brand, GRAND SPONSOR of the Music Events
LIDL HELLAS, Official Partner of the 88th TIF,
VOLKSWAGEN, Official Car of the 88th TIF,
INTERBALKAN MEDICAL CENTRE, Official Health Provider
TAXIWAY, Official Transport Partner
CAPSIS HOTEL, Official Hospitality Partner
NOTOS DEPARTMENT STORES, Official Partner of the 88th TIF 
Limousines-Greece, Official VIP Transport Partner
SAMIOTAKIS, Official CATERING partner
ICAP CRIF, Official Partner
PIGI OLYMPOU, Official Natural Mineral Water Partner
EPSILON NET, OFFICIAL IT PARTNER
Hellenic Dairies S.A. (AGNO), Sponsor
MAMALOUKA RESTAURANT, Sponsor
FedEx Greece, Sponsor
VENMAN ENERGY SAVING PRODUCTS, Sponsor
INNOVATION GROUP, Sponsor
GERMAN SCHOOL OF THESSALONIKI, Sponsor
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND, Sponsor
The 88th TIF was held under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior (Macedonia-Thrace) and the Region of Central Macedonia.

The 89th TIF will be held from 6 to 14 September 2025.