Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris will be leading an education road-show across the Balkans this summer in an effort to promote the northern port city’s universities and technical colleges to potential students in the broader region.

The effort comes as part of an overall campaign by municipal authorities to boost the role of education in Thessaloniki and transform it into a pillar for growth and a source of revenue, as well as enhancing the city’s international profile.

“The internationalization of universities is a key element in the strategy to make Thessaloniki more outward-looking,” Boutaris told Kathimerini. “Foreign language programs, providing job positions for educators who work abroad, and all other opportunities that will be generated tie in well with our ambition to see the city prosper and distinguish itself on a regional and international level.”

Boutaris will head a delegation of representatives from all of Thessaloniki’s educational institutions -- three universities, one technical college and 11 other colleges -- during the trip, which will include stops in Belgrade, Bucharest, Istanbul, Skopje, Sofia and Tirana, where they will speak about curricula and other features on offer.

The details of the promotional tour, such as dates and venues, will be announced within the next few weeks.