Halkidiki – A dreamland that keeps on giving

ITT Members should prepare to be enchanted by the allure of Halkidiki, a peninsula in northern Greece renowned for its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters. With its combination of lush greenery, azure waters, and rich history, Halkidiki provides the perfect backdrop for an inspiring and rejuvenating conference experience.

Dr Steven Freudmann, Chair, ITT said “It is 26 years since we last held our Conference in Greece, so I am really pleased that, after all these years, we are about to return to one of the UK travel industry’s most important destinations.

We expect huge demand for our first Greek Conference for many years and will be limiting the number of delegates to a maximum of 400. So, I urge you to register early to take advantage of our Early Bird rate.”

ITT is delighted to be partnering with the Greek National Tourism Organisation. Eleni Skarveli Director, GNTO UK & Ireland said “we are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the ITT Conference in Halkidiki, the very birthplace of the renowned philosopher Aristotle. Enveloped by the serene and harmonious ambiance of this region, we aspire for this setting to ignite inspiration amid all participants fostering innovative ideas and intellectual dialogues on the travel industry’s challenges. At the same time, we anticipate moments of relaxation, allowing attendees to luxuriate along the endless sun-kissed shores of cosmopolitan beaches and savour the delectable culinary treasures that Halkidiki has to offer. See you all there!” 

 Nestled within this paradisiacal setting, the Porto Carras Grand Resort stands as an emblem of luxury and comfort. The resort boasts an incredible location, with breath-taking views. Darren Eade from SK Hospitality UK who represents the resort said “I’m delighted that ITT has selected the Resort as the venue for the 2024 overseas conference. Our stunning Resort comprises of the 5-star Hotel Meliton, where delegates will stay, a wine estate, 18-hole leisure golf course, horse riding centre, casino, marina, conference centre, thalassotherapy spa and a beautiful beach with lapping clear Mediterranean turquoise waters. This is all set against a stunning surrounding backdrop of pine forests and hills offering shaded walks and trails leading to many of the nearby pristine coves & beaches. Having attended several ITT conferences in the past, I believe Porto Carras offers the ideal venue and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming ITT Members to our little-known piece of Mediterranean paradise and showcasing the many and varied assets of our beautiful resort.”

The Olympic Conference centre within the Resort is a 3-minute walk from the hotel. In addition, there are a great number of locations for networking including several choices that overlook the marina, two beach bars and the hotel pool bar with sunken stools.

There is also a great choice of leisure options for delegates to explore which include golf, tennis, horse riding, cycle hire, water sports, spa, casino, bowling alley and more. The nearby pretty town of Nea Marmaras can be reached by a short water taxi ride from the marina.

Delegates travelling to the Conference will fly into Thessaloniki, just a short 3-hour flight away from the UK.

Registration is now open for ITT Members with the Early Bird rate of £595 available until 31 December 2023. Members who attended the 2023 Conference should look out for a very special registration offer arriving in their inbox.

The ITT Sustainability Committee continues to partner with the industry to develop better strategies and plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop travel and tourism experiences which aim to protect destinations, the natural environment and enhance local communities’ livelihoods. All delegates will be required to pay a fee of £25 to offset their attendance at the Conference. 

Fiona Jeffery OBE, Chair, ITT Sustainability Committee said “As part of our commitment to improving ITTs environmental footprint as an organisation and that of our members we have agreed to offset the carbon footprint of the Conference. This donation will be invested in a well credited carbon offset programme and full details shared with the membership. We hope you agree this is an important step in reducing our collective environmental impact and making a positive contribution to protecting the planet and its communities”.