The Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) is one of the most important institutions in Greece, with a history dating back to 1926. Since then, TIF has evolved into one of the leading venues for showcasing innovations, products and services, not only at national level but also internationally. At the same time, it has served as a platform for dialogue for the development of commercial and cultural relations, while it has played a crucial role in promoting the Greek economy and connecting it to international markets.

The birth of the TIF: The vision of Nikolaos Germanos

The history of the TIF dates back to 1926, when Nikolaos Germanos, a businessman and politician, envisioned an institution that would enable Thessaloniki to emerge as the commercial and cultural centre of south-eastern Europe. The city, which was already an important commercial hub due to its geographical location, needed an institution that would contribute to the promotion of its products and strengthen its economy.

The first International Exhibition was held in October 1926 at the Areos Field, attracting some 600 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors. Although in the early years the entries were mainly Greek, companies from abroad soon began to participate, making the TIF a place of international trade promotion.

The post-war recovery and the decades of prosperity

The TIF was decisive for the recovery of the Greek economy after the Second World War. Although wartime conditions had temporarily interrupted its operation, the Fair resumed vigorously in 1951, reflecting Greece’s efforts at reconstruction and modernization.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the TIF began to attract more and more international companies, who saw the Fair as an opportunity to promote their products and services in a growing market. America, which had a strong presence at the time, was presenting new technologies and products, while Greece was trying to keep up with technological developments. This relationship culminated in 1957 with the visit of the then Vice President of the United States, Richard Nixon, who inaugurated the American pavilion.

In the 1960s, the TIF flourished. The presence of international companies and exhibitors increased significantly, and the Fair also became a political event. Political leaders and government officials used the TIF’s platform to present their economic and political programmes, which continues to this day.

The institution of the country of honour and the internationalisation of the TIF

One of the most important steps in the TIF’s internationalisation process was the introduction of the institution of the country of honour in 1998. The first country to be honoured was Italy, which marked the beginning of a new era for the Fair. Within the framework of this honour, each country selected has the opportunity to present its industries, culture, technology and economy, strengthening bilateral relations with Greece.

In the years that followed, many important countries took centre stage at the TIF, including Germany, the USA, Russia, China and India. This internationalisation helped the TIF to gain greater international recognition, attracting investors and businesses from all over the world. A highlight of this strategy was in 2018, when the United States was honoured again, with the presence of major American technology companies such as Microsoft and Google.

TIF in the digital age and the challenge of the economic crisis

Despite its long-term success, the TIF was not unaffected by the economic crisis that hit Greece in the 2010s. However, the institution managed to survive and adapt to the new conditions. The TIF started to turn towards innovation and technology, with an emphasis on supporting start-ups and creating a space where new ideas can find investors and buyers.

The TIF’s entry into the digital age was crucial for its survival. Today, the Fair is not only a physical space for presenting products and services, but also a platform for showcasing digital solutions, innovations and new technologies. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the TIF has adopted digital forms of participation and exposure, emphasizing a hybrid approach that combines physical presence with digital experience.

The importance of the TIF for Greece today

The Thessaloniki International Fair remains one of the most important economic and cultural events in the country, maintaining its prestige and influence both nationally and internationally. For Thessaloniki, the TIF is an important development tool, as it attracts thousands of visitors every year, boosting the local economy and promoting the city as an international centre of trade and culture.

In addition to its commercial dimension, the TIF has also established itself as a political forum, where every year the country’s prime ministers and political leaders present their political and economic proposals. From the TIF platform, announcements have been made that have shaped economic and social developments in Greece, while it is also an opportunity for citizens to meet government officials and business leaders.

The importance of the TIF for Greece is invaluable. In the changing global economic environment, the TIF remains a powerful tool for promoting the Greek economy and promoting the country internationally.