Greece “travelled” to Paris: an event by SKY express and GNTO at the Greek Embassy, on the occasion of IFTM 2026

The enduring bond between Greece and France was celebrated by SKY express and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) at an event they co-hosted at the Greek Embassy in Paris, on the occasion of IFTM 2026, one of the most important events of the tourism industry in Europe.

Welcome remarks were delivered by the Ambassador of Greece to France, Mr. Ioannis-Miltiadis Nikolaidis, the Secretary General of GNTO, Mr. Andreas Fiorentinos, and the Chief Commercial Officer of SKY express, Mr. Gerasimos Skaltsas. The event was attended by representatives of Greek Regions, travel agents, French journalists, members of the Greek community of Paris and distinguished guests. The gastronomic “bridge” between the two countries was entrusted to acclaimed chef Dina Nikolaou, who curated the evening’s menu.

France, a market of strategic importance for SKY express

The speeches focused on the close relationship between the two countries, air connectivity between Greece and France, and the extension of the tourism season.

France is one of Greece’s most important tourism markets and a market of strategic importance for SKY express. The company maintains a strong presence in the French market, connecting Paris, Lyon, Nantes, Marseille and Lille with Athens, Heraklion and Rhodes, further strengthening air connectivity between the two countries.

The steadily growing response of French travellers confirms the market’s momentum and reinforces SKY express’s commitment to continuously invest in its development.

In this context, starting in December the company is adding two new weekly flights on the Athens - Paris route, increasing its frequencies to nine. At the same time, it remains the only Greek airline connecting Lyon directly with Greece all year round.

The trust of French travellers in both SKY express and Greece as a destination is reflected in the steadily rising passenger traffic recorded between the two countries in recent years.

Extending the tourism season

Particular emphasis was placed on travellers’ ability to discover Greece beyond the summer months. Over the past three years, SKY express has been gradually extending Heraklion’s connectivity with Paris, Lyon and Nantes, with these routes now operating through November. This strategy reflects the shared conviction of the company and of Greek tourism bodies that the future of Greek tourism lies in a longer season, a better distribution of visitors, and the promotion of Greece as a destination of culture, authenticity, hospitality and natural beauty all year round.

Mr. Gerasimos Skaltsas, Chief Commercial Officer of SKY express, stated: “For SKY express, France is much more than a tourism market. It is a strategic partner, linked to our growth, our investments and our vision for the future of tourism. Our fleet is built by Airbus and ATR, two leading French manufacturers, and our relationship with the country is part of a long-standing economic and industrial bond uniting the two nations. Our commitment is to keep strengthening this connection and to bring the new generation of French travellers even closer to Greece, in every season of the year.”

The Secretary General of GNTO, Mr. Andreas Fiorentinos, stated: “France is one of the most important markets for Greek tourism, and strengthening air connectivity between the two countries is particularly significant. SKY express contributes substantially in this direction, connecting Greece with France and with Europe more broadly, while its codeshare partnerships further enhance international connectivity and access to Greek destinations. Expanding connections and extending the tourism season are shared goals for the further development of Greek tourism.”