Jordan-Rhodes September Pilot Flights Pave Way for 2017 Regular Service

Rhodes. Photo © P Phillips / Shutterstock

Pilot flights carried out earlier this month from Jordan to Rhodes have paved the way for the official launch of a regular service in 2017, local authorities said recently.

The move comes as part of the South Aegean Region’s efforts to expand the tourism season and attract new markets, eyeing the Middle East this time.

Jordan tourism agents and shareholders were satisfied with the pilot program and affirmed the launch of regular direct flights between Jordan and Rhodes. The future goal is for the Jordan air link to be expanded to other Greek islands.

The regional body has for the past years launched a comprehensive media strategy to promote the islands of its jurisdiction but also strengthened its campaign in view of the refugee crisis repercussions on some of the islands with participation in the Tehran, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh Roadshows, thus expanding into the Middle East market.

“Jordan is a very important tourist market with interest in Rhodes dating back,” said Aegean Region Vice Governor of Tourism, Marietta Papavasileiou.

“We are confident that these efforts will be successful. Moreover, due to the overall situation in North Africa and the region, Rhodes is a fine alternative for Jordanian tourists,” she added.

Rhodes Airport has been given priority status due to its size as it can serve as a crossover hub for travel from Middle Eastern countries into Europe.