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The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the factors that contribute to the formation of destination loyalty of trade fair exhibitors, through the perspective of social exchange theory. The study was conducted on the exhibitors of the 86th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who visited the city within the framework of the Honored Country concept. Results showed that the concept of the Honored Country is closely related to destination loyalty, while the relationship between satisfaction with trade fair participation (TFS) and destination loyalty (DL) was noted. Moreover, the relationship between social exchange theory–trust (T) and visitors' satisfaction (VS)–and destination loyalty (DL) was also noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the interplay between Airbnb and gentrification in Thessaloniki and Greece, focusing on their economic and social impacts on urban neighborhoods. Utilizing data from 110 online publications and qualitative insights from ten semi-structured interviews with real estate agents, Airbnb stakeholders, residents, and experts, the research provides a nuanced view of these dynamics. The findings suggest that Airbnb influences housing markets by driving up rental and home prices, potentially exacerbating housing scarcity and displacing vulnerable populations in gentrifying areas. While this aligns with the existing literature, the results remain tentative due to the complexities involved. The trend toward corporate-hosted short-term rentals appears to shift Airbnb away from its original community-focused model, though this shift is still evolving. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced changes, such as a move from short-term to long-term rentals and the conversion of commercial spaces to residential use, impacting neighborhood dynamics. However, these effects may be temporary and do not fully address broader housing issues. While an oversupply of Airbnb accommodations might stabilize rental prices to some extent, its impact on the overall housing crisis remains uncertain. Future research should investigate the long-term effects on housing affordability and social equity, considering the limitations of current findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the socio-spatial constitution of the mall, as a basic consumption place, in the aftermath of the 2008 global economic crisis, employing a geographical approach to malls and a socio-spatial perspective on heterotopia, as a conceptual theoretical tool on the exercise of power and production of space. Introducing the concept of crisis-heterotopia, the case of the Mediterranean Cosmos shopping Centre in Thessaloniki, Greece, is employed, carrying out questionnaires and interviews with residents of Thessaloniki. The findings highlight the internal constitution of the mall as a crisis-heterotopia identified by the socio-spatial and cultural profiles and spatial representations of the consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of sustainable energy frameworks amidst global climate change and dwindling petroleum reserves has prompted a focus on energy transition, marking a shift in how energy is utilized within systems. Greece, historically reliant on lignite for electricity generation, faces the challenge of transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. This study explores the potential of creating a multipurpose entrepreneurship and culture center, the Mediterranean Center for Entrepreneurship and Culture (MCEC), in Megalopolis, Arcadia, Greece, as a strategic intervention for economic, social, and environmental restructuring. Drawing on best practices and comprehensive analyses of external factors, the study outlines the conceptualization and evaluation of the MCEC, considering economic feasibility, development scenarios, financial sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. The discussion highlights the anticipated benefits of the MCEC, including job creation, entrepreneurship promotion, and socio-cultural advancement, underscoring its potential to mitigate the impacts of lignite phase-out and foster sustainable regional development. Overall, the establishment of the MCEC is poised to yield positive socio-economic impacts, including employment growth, entrepreneurship promotion, infrastructure development, and cultural enrichment, contributing to the resilience and prosperity of the Megalopolis region and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates evolving perceptions and preferences among exhibitors regarding trade fair formats, focusing on virtual, hybrid, and physical events. The aim is to understand how attitudes have shifted post-pandemic and the implications for future trade fair strategies. A longitudinal comparative analysis was conducted using survey data collected from exhibitors over two years. The analysis focused on evaluating perceptions of virtual, hybrid, and physical trade fairs, examining factors such as cost savings, technological barriers, health safety advantages, and interpersonal interactions. Findings indicate increasing recognition of cost and time-saving benefits in virtual formats. Despite technological improvements, challenges in interpersonal interactions persist. Interest in hybrid events is rising, but concerns exist about effectively combining physical and virtual advantages. Confidence in physical trade fairs is rebounding, especially among less COVID-affected exhibitors, suggesting a coexistence with virtual events rather than a complete replacement. Strategic flexibility is crucial to optimizing engagement across diverse preferences and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. The findings underscore the need for trade fair organizers to adapt their strategies to accommodate hybrid models effectively. Future research should delve deeper into specific factors influencing exhibitor satisfaction and engagement in hybrid environments, informing ongoing adaptations to the evolving trade fair landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the motivations and objectives of visitor participation in trade fairs in Thessaloniki. In particular, the trend of combining professional goals with the entertainment of visitors is investigated. The aim of the research is to determine whether the inclination to blend economic goals with entertainment is a shared characteristic among attendees of all trade fair events, or if it varies in any manner. Mixed methods research was used: quantitative research (1,066 participants) and in-depth interviews (51 participants). In order to comprehensively understand phenomena and ensure validity, the triangulation approach was used. The results showed that the type of trade fair is related to visitors' participation objectives. Specifically, the reason for visiting the trade fairs addressed to the general public is mainly entertainment, while those of the specialized sectoral trade fairs are mainly business-related. However, even in the sectoral trade fairs there is a significant percentage in several cases that mentions fun-entertainment as an objective. These results are of great research importance, but also of managerial importance, both for the trade fair organizers and for the local tourism development agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-border cooperation is an important factor for the sustainability of border areas, while the accessibility of tourism businesses enhances inclusiveness in tourism. This article presents the results obtained from the comparative analysis of the accessibility of tourism businesses in the cross-border area of Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia. The results show room for improvement, but also a great willingness to invest in business accessibility and staff training. Similarities and differences were also identified between the statuses of accessibility in the two countries. These results are particularly useful for the development of cooperation between the two countries, in order to create a single accessible tourist product, with the ultimate goal of differentiating the destinations and obtaining a competitive advantage, in the context of sustainable tourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

News organizations increasingly focus their efforts to boost traffic on their websites to grow their share of online advertising. We investigated the relationship between news websites' traffic ranking and their social media tools of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google Plus. For a year we monitored the followers of all Greek regional newspapers in relation to the traffic on their websites. We continued monitoring for a second year to validate the robustness of the findings and we hereby present results for 86 weeks. Statistical analysis leads to the conclusion that the number of social media subscribers can predict the competitive position of a newspaper in the market based on its website traffic. The effect lasts for a limited period of time, one to three weeks, depending on the specific medium. Importantly, results indicate the potential of developing a prediction model of the website's traffic, based on the social media metrics of the organization, as a useful tool to increase traffic and revenues from online advertising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trade Fairs, throughout their long history, have always interacted with their host cities on multiple levels. The significant contribution of trade fairs to the tourism development of their host cities was and still remains undisputed. The city of Thessaloniki has recorded a long and remarkable historical tradition in the organisation of trade fairs. This paper attempts to examine the concept of the ‘Honoured Country’ within the framework of the International Fair of Thessaloniki, historically, and to explore its multifaceted role. The central hypothesis of this paper concerns the exploration of the multi-aspect role of the ‘Honoured Country’ concept during TIF and the highlighting of its impact on the city’s tourism development. This exploration will take place both over time – through the study of the historical archives of TIF-HELEXPO – as well as through the case study of the 82nd TIF, during which China was be the ‘Honoured Country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]