Greece is positioning itself as a top destination for educational tourism, with Thessaloniki and Eastern Halkidiki emerging as frontrunners in attracting school groups from Italy. According to a recent report by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), Italian interest in Greece’s educational travel offerings is growing steadily—especially for trips rooted in history, culture, and cross-cultural learning.
This growing trend not only supports Greece’s strategy of diversifying its tourism offerings but also contributes to extending the tourist season beyond the summer months. The GNTO’s strategic push to promote educational travel strengthens Greece’s soft diplomacy and aligns with its long-term tourism sustainability goals.
Thessaloniki and Halkidiki: A Natural Fit for Student Travel
Thessaloniki, Greece’s vibrant second city, with its multicultural history, Byzantine architecture, and renowned universities, is an ideal hub for academic exploration. Eastern Halkidiki, home to the famed Aristotle Trail and the House of Zorba, complements the learning journey with natural landscapes, mythology, and experiential outdoor activities.
Italian students are drawn to these regions not only for their historic and cultural appeal but also for the immersive, hands-on experiences they offer. From ancient ruins and Orthodox churches to modern-day cultural festivals and authentic local gastronomy, Thessaloniki and Halkidiki provide a well-rounded educational environment.
Successful Fam Trip Sparks Greater Interest from Italy
To capitalize on this momentum, the GNTO, in cooperation with its Italy office, hosted a familiarization (fam) trip from July 15 to 20, 2025. Organized in collaboration with the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce of Thessaloniki, the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization (TTO), and the Municipality of Aristotle, the trip welcomed two prominent Italian travel agents specializing in school and educational travel: Valeria Ciccotta from Ibla Europe Viaggi and Vincenzo Campanella from Capeland Viaggi.
The agents explored curated educational itineraries, visiting Thessaloniki’s historical monuments, museums, and neighborhoods such as Ano Poli. In Halkidiki, they walked the iconic Zorba Trail, enjoyed wine tasting sessions, and engaged with local community leaders and tourism professionals. These firsthand experiences will help travel agents design bespoke itineraries tailored to the Italian educational sector.
Supporting Italy’s PCTO Framework
One of the most promising aspects of this initiative is its alignment with Italy’s national PCTO program (Percorsi per le Competenze Trasversali e per l’Orientamento)—an educational requirement for high school students aged 14 to 19. This framework mandates students to participate in work-based learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
Greece offers a compelling platform for such educational exchanges. From archaeological studies in Vergina to environmental workshops in Mount Athos, Greek destinations offer structured, meaningful, and formative learning environments. These programs meet Italy’s curriculum needs while enhancing students’ global awareness and soft skills.
Cross-Border Collaboration for Long-Term Impact
Throughout the fam trip, Italian agents engaged in strategic discussions with Greek tourism stakeholders and local authorities, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach to developing educational tourism products. Representatives from Thessaloniki’s academic institutions, museum curators, and regional tourism boards participated in these meetings to ensure that upcoming packages align with the educational objectives of visiting schools.
By reinforcing local partnerships, Greece aims to craft diverse tourism experiences that appeal not only to Italian schools but to other European student groups as well.
Growing Educational Tourism in Northern Greece
The GNTO has confirmed plans to expand similar initiatives across Northern Greece. The aim is to position the broader region as a year-round education-focused destination, capable of offering both in-depth cultural immersion and adventure-based learning.
This will also benefit smaller communities by spreading tourism-related economic activity beyond Greece’s established hotspots. By investing in infrastructure, training programs, and sustainable tourism development, the initiative supports Greece’s overarching goal of balanced regional development.
Educational Tourism as a Pillar of Sustainability
The rise of educational tourism in Greece comes at a pivotal moment. The Greek Ministry of Tourism, supported by the GNTO, is committed to shifting toward tourism models that prioritize community engagement, cultural preservation, and seasonality reduction. Educational tourism fits naturally within this agenda.
It not only attracts visitors during off-peak seasons but also fosters deeper cultural exchanges. Students who travel for learning often return as adult tourists, building long-term relationships with the destination and acting as informal ambassadors for Greek culture abroad.
Thessaloniki and Halkidiki: Pillars of Educational Tourism Strategy
From ancient philosophers like Aristotle to Byzantine innovations and contemporary arts scenes, Thessaloniki and Eastern Halkidiki possess the educational depth needed to captivate young minds. Their unique positioning—blending intellectual exploration with leisure and natural beauty—makes them ideal for developing a robust educational tourism sector.
As Italian interest in educational travel to Greece grows, the country’s tourism leaders see a strategic opportunity to further globalize its tourism appeal while deepening ties with neighboring countries.
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