South Aegean Region Authorities Say Tourism in Good Shape

Rhodes Island, Photo Source: http://likenoother.aegeanislands.gr

Tourism to the South Aegean Region is on the right track with the positive trend expected to continue into September and October, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism Marietta Papavasiliou (photo) said in a statement on Monday.

“All the months have recorded growth. For us the season will come to an absolutely successful close this year paving the way for preparations for the next season,” she said stressing the region’s commitment to a three-year action plan including participation in international exhibits, a dynamic social media strategy as well as planned famtrips for bloggers and journalists to visit the South Aegean Region and Rhodes. She added that the goal is now to extend the tourism season with a promotional strategy that includes athletic and cultural events and focuses on the April-May and September-October periods.

Papavasiliou went on to refer to Rhodes’ largest markets – the UK and Germany – citing HolidayCheck, the largest German-language travel and holiday opinion portal, according to which sales for the region increased by 13 percent in the January-July 2016 period compared to the same period in 2017. Overnight stays grew by 17 percent with a 31 percent rise in turnover, which Papavasiliou says is a result of higher-income travelers.

On the downside, the number of Russian vacationers dropped, which Papavasiliou said was due to last-minute demand and no availability of accommodation.