According to Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias, the Greek island of Rhodes has experienced a promising start to its summer season in the first 10 days of April.
A total of 221 international flights arrived at Rhodes with occupancy rates reaching nearly full capacity. Kikilias emphasized that this early launch of the season has yielded positive results, attracting more off-season visitors than ever before. He also highlighted that many destinations in Greece were almost fully booked due to the Easter holiday.
Kikilias further revealed that Athens continued to thrive in terms of tourism, with healthcare stores, hotels, and short-term rentals operating at full capacity. After meeting with Kikilias, South Aegean Region Governor George Hatzimarkos expressed optimism about the numbers, stating that they constantly monitor the trajectory of the tourism economy and plan accordingly. He emphasized the resilience of the tourism industry in supporting the Greek economy during periods of crisis.
The minister provided additional details about the early start of the tourist season, noting that the first flight to Rhodes took place on March 11, and Crete also saw visitors in early March. He mentioned a 20% increase in cruise arrivals since January, as well as the opening of previously closed markets such as China and Australia. Kikilias acknowledged Greece’s popularity as a holiday destination among Europeans and revealed plans to expand into new markets in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and India. He referenced the “Shopping in Greece” campaign, which aims to strengthen the link between trade and tourism, following the example of other European cities like Paris, Milan, and Rome.
In terms of sustainability, the minister emphasized the importance of incorporating terms and conditions for new tourism infrastructure into policies. These measures would cover waste and water management, parking areas, and the use of reusable energy sources, aligning with Greece’s commitment to sustainable practices in the tourism sector.
