Cisco and Rhodes Team Up to Make Greek Island Digital Nomads Hot Spot

Technology firm Cisco has teamed up with the South Aegean Region to establish the Greek island of Rhodes into a haven for digital nomads.

Under the “All Roads Lead to Rhodes” scheme, Cisco has sent over 20 of its full-time employees to work remotely from the Greek island for three months through to the end of May.

The California-based company is aiming to enhance the technology available through a platform of tools and apps that will facilitate remote work and ensure productivity. Under the scheme, remote workers will join the local community providing authorities with a glimpse into the benefits of welcoming digital nomads.

Rhodes, Greece.

Among others, Cisco has also collaborated with South Aegean Region authorities for the creation of the Aegean Neorion Innovation Center on Syros. Earlier this year, Rhodes moved ahead with plans for 26 projects that will transform the island into a global model of sustainable tourism as part of the Rhodes Co-Lab business plan.

“At Cisco, we have made it one of our key priorities to meet the expectations of the new environment. Through this initiative, we underline the importance of belonging, bonding, contributing, breaking down distances and time,” said Cisco Managing Director Antonis Tsiboukis.

Tsiboukis went on to add that in the coming months, Rhodes will redefine the future, contributing to the creation of a new concept where productivity and well-being can coexist.

South Aegean Region Governor George Hatzimarkos and Cisco Managing Director Antonis Tsiboukis. Photo source: South Aegean Region.

Commenting on the collaboration with Cisco, South Aegean Region Governor George Hatzimarkos said planning and actions as well as partnerships with the private sector were key to growth.

“Those of us who live in this ‘corner’ of Greece, know well that our islands are the ‘golden mean’ – offering the ideal balance between quality of life but also personal development and productivity. This is what Cisco’s digital nomads will experience serving later as ambassadors to the world and communicating that the Aegean is not only an ideal place for holidays but also the ideal place to work, create and live,” said Hatzimarkos.

In the last few years, Greece has taken several actions to establish itself as a top remote work destination. As part of government efforts to simplify procedures and attract more remote workers, authorities announced the launch of a special visa for digital nomads last year.