Greece has taken a new step to strengthen its position in the global meetings and events industry after the Hellenic Growth Fund and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at attracting more international conferences, exhibitions and business events.
The agreement was signed during the Growthfund Investor Summit 2026 in Athens on 22 June by Yiannis Papachristou, Chief Executive Officer of Hellenic Growth Fund, and Dr. Senthil Gopinath, Chief Executive Officer of ICCA. The two-year partnership focuses on infrastructure enhancement, international promotion, industry training and increasing Greece’s competitiveness in the global meetings market.
The collaboration is designed to provide Greece with greater access to international expertise, industry networks and best practices while supporting benchmarking and comparative assessments of the country’s conference and exhibition infrastructure.
Officials said the initiative aligns with several strategic assets and development projects managed by Hellenic Growth Fund and its subsidiaries. These include TIF-HELEXPO, the operator of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition, the Public Properties Company (ETAD), and Corinth Canal S.A. (AEDIK).
The organisations believe these assets can play a significant role in expanding Greece’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector, often referred to as the MICE industry.
The agreement also supports efforts to modernise existing facilities and attract major international events that can generate economic activity beyond traditional leisure tourism. Business events are widely regarded as a high-value segment of the tourism industry because they often attract international delegates, support local businesses and encourage investment opportunities.
Yiannis Papachristou, Chief Executive Officer of Hellenic Growth Fund, said: “Our collaboration with ICCA reflects Hellenic Growth Fund’s strategic approach to creating long-term value through the development-oriented utilisation of public assets. Strengthening Greece’s position on the international meetings and exhibitions map is not only about tourism; it is also about the country’s ability to attract investment, business activity, and international partnerships.”
He added: “Through this collaboration, we are creating the conditions for key infrastructure and destinations to unlock even greater potential, contributing to the internationalisation and sustainable growth of the Greek economy.”
ICCA, one of the world’s leading organisations for the international meetings industry, works with destinations, convention bureaus, venues and event organisers across the globe. Its network and research capabilities are expected to help Greece identify opportunities to compete for major congresses and international gatherings.
Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “Business events are one of the most powerful, yet often under-recognised, levers for economic and societal advancement. This partnership is not only about strengthening Greece’s position in the global meetings market — it is about advocating for the role our industry plays in connecting knowledge, driving innovation, and creating lasting impact.”
He added: “By working alongside Hellenic Growth Fund, we are supporting a more integrated approach where business events are aligned with national priorities, helping destinations unlock long-term value for their communities.”
Growing Greece’s international profile
The partnership forms part of Hellenic Growth Fund’s broader strategy to increase Greece’s international outreach and support long-term economic growth. By leveraging ICCA’s global network and expertise, the country aims to enhance its visibility among international associations, corporate event organisers and exhibition planners.
Industry stakeholders increasingly view business events as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, innovation and investment. As destinations around the world compete to host major conferences and exhibitions, Greece is seeking to strengthen its position through improved infrastructure, stronger international partnerships and targeted promotion.
The new agreement signals a long-term commitment to expanding Greece’s role in the global meetings and events sector while creating opportunities for destinations, venues and public assets across the country to benefit from increased international engagement.
