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Trade Fairs, Host Cities and Tourism Development: The Case of Thessaloniki, Greece

Author

Listed:
  • Dimitris Kourkouridis

    (School of Spatial Planning and Development, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Yannis Frangopoulos

    (School of Spatial Planning and Development, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Asimenia Salepaki

    (Business and Exhibition Research and Development Institute, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

The literature has mainly focused on the significant business opportunities that companies obtain from their participation in trade fairs while less interest has been given to their impacts on the host regions. However, trade fairs are events with complex socio-spatial dimensions and an important scope of urban governance that need further analysis. The purpose of this article is to investigate the attitudes, opinions and representations of the exhibitors and visitors of the trade fairs in Thessaloniki, regarding the trade fair itself and its efficiency, the city of Thessaloniki as a destination, as well as the relationship between trade fairs and the city. The method of collecting qualitative material and information involved in-depth interviews with a semi-structured interview guide, while quota sampling was used. In total, 103 interviews were conducted at the trade fairs of Zootechnia and Detrop. Results show that the effect of trade fair activity on the city of Thessaloniki is strong and multi-layered. Also, the relationship between trade fair activity and the city is interactive and two-way, as one feeds and is powered by the other. Moreover, the need for coordination and cooperation between local agencies in an urban governance framework was highlighted.

Suggested Citation

  • Dimitris Kourkouridis & Yannis Frangopoulos & Asimenia Salepaki, 2024. "Trade Fairs, Host Cities and Tourism Development: The Case of Thessaloniki, Greece," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 5(2), pages 1-21, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jtourh:v:5:y:2024:i:2:p:22-353:d:1374384
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bathelt, Harald & Golfetto, Francesca & Rinallo, Diego, 2014. "Trade Shows in the Globalizing Knowledge Economy," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199643080.
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