Rhodes Next Greek Island to ‘Go Smart’

Greek Digital Governance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis.

Digital Governance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis visited Rhodes this week to inspect the progress on a series of upgrade works and projects as part of actions taken to establish the Dodecanese island into a smart destination.

Pierrakakis said Rhodes was a top government priority and referred to the completion of the long-awaited Kremasti Bridge, as well as to the National Theater and the new marina which are underway.

Digital Governance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis and his delegation, including Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development Olympia Anastasopoulou (right), receiving an update on the progress of works for the new marina on Rhodes. Photo source: @OlympiaAnast

“The municipality of Rhodes has been included in the ‘smart cities’ program,” said Pierrakakis, who was scheduled to meet with Rhodes Mayor Antonis Kampourakis to discuss which projects would be funded under the program. “We will provide our support in the overall process of digital and administrative transformation of Rhodes,” he said.

In this direction, Pierrakakis announced that a total of 445 million euros had been secured to be allocated to the “Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises”. Applications can be submitted here.

“Rhodes is a lasting success story… not only for its tourism product but also for its course throughout Greek history. Across many different historical periods, Rhodes has always managed to maintain its own distinct position,” he said.

Anastasopoulou: Rhodes is the most resilient island

Also accompanying the minister was Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development Olympia Anastasopoulou, who pledged the tourism ministry’s support of the projects slated for the island.

Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development Olympia Anastasopoulou. Photo source: @OlympiaAnast

“We are here to support the tourism product of Rhodes with financial tools from the recovery fund. Rhodes is the most resilient island, a Number 1 destination in the world with Santorini at Number 4. Through the tourism ministry’s new goals – resilience, sustainability and quality – we aim to extend the tourist season across all destinations,” she said.

Earlier this year, Rhodes was named “Top Sustainable Destination for 2022” by DiscoverCars.com, an online platform connecting customers and car rental companies around the globe.