Zakynthos Takes Centre Stage at ITB Berlin 2026
The Municipality of Zakynthos was present at ITB Berlin this March — the world’s largest tourism trade fair, celebrating its 60th anniversary. Held March 4–6 in Berlin, the fair drew 5,601 exhibitors from 166 countries and around 97,000 industry professionals, with an estimated €47 billion in commercial deals concluded across the three days.
Representing the island was Deputy Mayor for Tourism Angeliki Avgoustinou, alongside municipal officials, as part of the outreach strategy of Mayor Giorgos Stassinopoulos’ administration. Zakynthos participated under the umbrella of the Greek national delegation, the same route most Greek island municipalities use to reach the major Northern European tour operators who fill their charter flights.
Meetings with Tour Operators and Travel Press
During the fair, the Zakynthos delegation held a series of targeted meetings with leading international tourism organizations, global tour operators, and travel journalists. The goal was straightforward: get the island in front of decision-makers who allocate passengers to Aegean destinations each season.
“The presence of Zakynthos at ITB Berlin confirmed the ever-increasing momentum of our destination,” said Deputy Mayor Avgoustinou. “The strong interest we recorded reflects the powerful position our island holds on the global map.”
Optimism Tempered by Geopolitical Awareness
It was not a triumphant year for everyone at ITB Berlin. Middle Eastern and Gulf country pavilions were notably sparse due to the ongoing regional conflict and airspace closures, and total visitor numbers dipped slightly to around 97,000 compared to over 100,000 the previous year. Greece, however, was among the destinations that benefited from redirected traveller interest — Mediterranean alternatives picking up demand from disrupted Middle East routes.
Still, Avgoustinou was careful not to overstate things: “We are not turning a blind eye. The international climate is affected by geopolitical developments and the uncertainty caused by the war. The municipal authority monitors developments daily with seriousness, responsibility and composure.”
What This Means for Summer 2026
The Zakynthos tourism sector has been watching bookings closely. Reports from the Panhellenic Hoteliers Federation conference in early March noted a “visible freeze” in bookings across Greece linked to geopolitical anxiety — though Greek destinations have historically shown resilience in such periods.
For Zakynthos specifically, the ITB presence is part of a longer strategic push: systematic promotion in key foreign markets (primarily Germany, UK, and the Netherlands), building international partnerships, and making the case for sustainable tourism development that benefits both visitors and locals.
“In an environment of instability, we must operate with a plan,” Avgoustinou said. “We remain in constant vigilance and close cooperation with tourism stakeholders and the local community, ensuring that Zakynthos’ tourism trajectory stays strong and sustainable.”
The 2026 season officially opens with the first charter flights expected in late April. All signs from Berlin point to another busy summer — how busy will depend partly on how the broader regional situation evolves in the coming weeks.
Photo: View of the ITB Berlin 2026 trade fair / Passport News — used for editorial purposes