The enduring spirit of Greek hospitality and the timeless beauty of its cultural heritage take center stage at the Philoxenia Travel & Culture photography exhibition, now open at the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation in Athens. Running from April 12 to 27, 2025, the exhibition offers a vibrant visual journey through Greece’s landscapes, traditions, and people.
Presented by the Greek Instagramers Events community in collaboration with HELEXPO and the International Tourism Exhibition Philoxenia–Hotelia, the exhibition is part of a series of special events celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Philoxenia tourism expo, first launched in 1985.
Inaugurating the event, Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni emphasized its cultural resonance:
“‘Philoxenia Travel & Culture’ highlights the vibrant and multifaceted image of Greece, as the photographs narrate the story of places, people, and traditions that define the modern travel experience.”
Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni at the exhibition’s opening day.
Split across two thematic floors, the exhibition showcases two previously featured photography collections: Philoxenia & Travel and Philoxenia & Culture. Visitors can explore 156 photographs by 125 photographers, selected from over 3,400 submissions to two nationwide photo contests held in 2022 and 2024.
On the first floor, Philoxenia & Travel captures the lesser-known corners of Greece and the essence of its warm hospitality. On the second floor, Philoxenia & Culture illustrates Greece’s cultural continuity—from ancient monuments and folk traditions to modern-day celebrations of heritage.
Credit: Greek Instagramers Events/ Facebook
Credit: Greek Instagramers Events/ Facebook
Curated by Elli Ayiannidi and Giorgos Vergados, founders of Greek Instagramers Events, the exhibition is a photographic tribute to Greek identity and its enduring cultural values.
“For us Greeks, ‘philoxenia’ is not just a word. It is a way of life,” Minister Kefalogianni noted. “Since antiquity, the concept of hospitality in our country has been rooted in its people and their authentic, human connection.”
The exhibition opened with a special event on Saturday, April 12, and will remain on view through April 27 offering free admission.
Credit: Greek Instagramers Events/ Facebook
