Published on
December 20, 2025
Greece is enhancing its tourism ties with Belgium with the introduction of new direct flights from Brussels to Volos, a move expected to significantly boost Thessaly’s profile. This new route offers Belgian travelers convenient access to the region’s rich historical sites, scenic landscapes, and vibrant culture, positioning Thessaly as an appealing destination. With this development, Greece aims to attract more visitors from Belgium, fostering stronger tourism connections and contributing to the growth of the local economy.
Ryanair’s direct flights from Brussels to Volos, starting in 2026, are expected to significantly enhance the connectivity between Thessaly and Central European markets, according to the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO). This new route is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Greece’s presence in European tourism markets, particularly in Belgium and the wider Benelux region, where interest in Greek destinations is growing.
Originally announced in August 2025 as part of Ryanair’s winter schedule, the route from Brussels Charleroi Airport to Nea Anchialos Airport will resume in summer 2026. Ryanair plans to operate the flights twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, between June 1 and October 23, 2026. This marks an exciting opportunity for both business and leisure travelers to connect more easily with Thessaly, a region known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage. The expansion of this direct flight service is expected to not only bring more visitors to Thessaly but also provide local residents with greater access to Central Europe, supporting mutual tourism growth.
To commemorate the launch and resumption of this key flight connection, the GNTO and the Region of Thessaly jointly hosted a promotional event at the Greek Embassy in Brussels. The event, which took place in late 2025, was targeted at Belgian tourism professionals, media, and key stakeholders in the travel industry. It aimed to showcase Thessaly’s alternative tourism offerings, which include a range of activities from hiking and agritourism to cultural and heritage tourism. Thessaly’s unique blend of attractions is an excellent fit for today’s travelers who are increasingly seeking experiences that go beyond the traditional tourist hotspots. By introducing these offerings to Belgian media and industry professionals, the event sought to encourage the development of new partnerships and collaborations that could help foster long-term tourism relations between Belgium and Thessaly.
During the event, the GNTO provided an in-depth look at Thessaly’s tourism potential, focusing on its natural beauty, historical sites, and lesser-known attractions that provide a more authentic and immersive travel experience. The region, which boasts a stunning coastline along the Aegean Sea, rich archaeological sites, and picturesque villages nestled in the mountains, offers a range of experiences for a variety of traveler preferences. Additionally, Thessaly is a prominent destination for alternative tourism, with visitors able to explore its hidden gems in a more sustainable and intimate way.
By highlighting these aspects of Thessaly’s tourism offering, the event served to position the region as an ideal destination for Belgian tourists, who are increasingly seeking out destinations that offer a mix of culture, adventure, and authenticity. Moreover, the B2B meetings organized as part of the promotional event were designed to spark new business opportunities between local tourism operators and Belgian tour operators, potentially leading to new travel packages and collaborative ventures that could further boost tourism to the region.
The Greek Ambassador to Belgium emphasized the importance of the Brussels-Volos flight connection not only as a way to support tourism growth but also as a key part of strengthening the bilateral relations between Greece and Belgium. The Ambassador noted that this flight service would provide a direct link between the Belgian capital and Thessaly, making it easier for travelers from Belgium to access Greece’s central region. This is particularly important as it supports Greece’s wider tourism strategy, which seeks to diversify its tourism offerings and encourage visitors to explore regions beyond the well-known hotspots like Athens, Crete, and Santorini. Thessaly’s unique appeal, combined with the convenience of the new flight service, offers Belgian travelers an exciting opportunity to explore Greece’s rich cultural and natural heritage in an entirely new way.
In addition to promoting Thessaly as a travel destination, the GNTO’s outreach in the Benelux region extends to highlighting Greece’s focus on sustainability in tourism. This initiative was supported by international media coverage of recent statements by Greece’s Tourism Minister at the Routes 25 event at Athens International Airport (AIA), where Greece emphasized its commitment to sustainable tourism development. The GNTO Netherlands office played a key role in supporting these efforts, ensuring that Greece’s message about sustainability and responsible travel was effectively communicated to international audiences.
Sustainability is an increasingly important factor for travelers when making decisions about their vacation destinations, and Greece is keen to capitalize on this growing trend. By promoting Thessaly’s eco-friendly tourism initiatives and its emphasis on responsible tourism practices, Greece aims to attract a new generation of conscious travelers who prioritize environmental and social sustainability in their travel choices. This aligns with broader global trends, where destinations and tourism operators are working together to reduce their environmental footprint and protect cultural heritage.
The Brussels-Volos flight connection not only strengthens the ties between Greece and Belgium but also enhances Greece’s visibility in the wider Central European market, where there is a rising demand for sustainable tourism options. As more travelers in Belgium and beyond seek destinations that offer both cultural richness and environmental responsibility, Thessaly’s promotion as a sustainable tourism hub could help position the region as a top choice for these types of travelers.
Greece is strengthening tourism ties with Belgium by launching new direct flights from Brussels to Volos, boosting Thessaly’s profile and offering Belgian travelers easier access to the region’s rich cultural and scenic offerings. This move aims to attract more Belgian visitors and enhance local tourism.
Ryanair’s Brussels-Volos route is a significant development for Thessaly’s tourism industry, offering new opportunities for both inbound and outbound travel. The GNTO’s promotional event in Brussels helped highlight the region’s unique offerings and laid the groundwork for future tourism partnerships. As Greece continues to focus on sustainable tourism development, the Brussels-Volos route will play a key role in enhancing the visibility of Thessaly and strengthening its tourism ties with Central Europe. The combination of direct flights, sustainable tourism practices, and a strong promotional campaign will no doubt contribute to Thessaly’s growing popularity as a sought-after destination for international travelers.
