ASTA Event Introduces US Travel Agents to South Aegean Islands

Rhodes island, Greece

Aiming to increase tourism flows from the US market to destinations in the Dodecanese islands and the Cylcades, the Region of South Aegean recently hosted the ASTA International Showcase event on Rhodes.

Organized by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), the event was held between May 12-16, in collaboration with the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Tourist & Travel Agencies (FedHATTA) and the Association of Rhodes’ Tourism Agencies.

During the event, the South Aegean Region held a number of B2B meetings between US tour operators and local tourism agencies, as well as hotel executives.

According to an announcement, the meetings resulted in future collaborations that would equally benefit US travel agents, the Dodecanese islands and the wider South Aegean region.

“The ASTA International Showcase event has been a success, and supported our efforts to increase tourism flows to the South Aegean,” Vice Governor for Tourism, Sports and Culture Marietta Papavasiliou said.

Rhodes island. Photo Source: Visit Greece

During the five-day event, Papavasiliou presented the tourism destinations of the Dodecanese islands and the Cyclades, focusing on the unique tourism experiences offered through island hopping activities.

Furthermore, US travel professionals had the chance to discover the culture, authentic hospitality and tourism experiences offered on Rhodes.

Marietta Papavasiliou

“Our guests were impressed by the wide range of travel experiences… and Rhodes’ warm authentic hospitality,” Papavasiliou said.

Meanwhile, ASTA President Robert Duglin said that all participants looked forward to promoting the Dodecanese to the US market, also adding that a direct air connection between Athens and US cities would make access to the Greek islands easier.

The ASTA International Showcase event on Rhodes was the second time US travel agents/ASTA members had the chance to experience Greece to promote the country as an ideal holiday destination for American travelers. In April 2018, ASTA members were once again in Greece to attend the ASTA Destination Expo in Athens.