
New data released by Fraport Greece indicated that the 2024 tourism season is shaping up to be a record year for the Dodecanese and specifically the island of Rhodes.
From January to August, nearly 5 million travelers passed through Rhodes Airport, a 14.4% increase from last year. Flights into the island also surged, with a 9.7% increase in arrivals and departures, bringing the total number of flights served to over 26,000.
In August alone, Rhodes Airport recorded its highest-ever number of tourist arrivals, with over 616,000 visitors arriving via charter flights, a 21% (107,000 passenger) increase compared to August 2023.
British tourists led the way in arrivals, with more than 134,000 British tourists visiting the island in August alone, followed by Germans, Poles, Italians, and Israelis. Turkish tourists have also increased by 55% so far compared to last year.
Sea tourism also soared. Rhodes has welcomed 261,646 cruise passengers since January. Suprisingly enough, October will be the month with the most cruise ship arrivals out of 2024, with 59 scheduled to dock. Yachting also saw a 25% increase in visitors, further boosting the island’s alternative tourism sector.
Looking ahead, efforts are being made to extend the tourism season, targeting new markets in Asia, including China and India. Rhodes is also focusing on alternative forms of tourism, such as cultural, gastronomic, and religious tourism, with a variety of promotional initiatives in place. Additionally, the island plans to celebrate World Tourism Day with a series of special events.
Source: tovima.com


Latest News

Istanbul Earthquake – Greek Prof. Concerned Major Quake Yet to Strike
Responding to concerns over whether a potential major quake in Istanbul could affect Greece, Papazachos was reassuring: “The fault extends as far as Lemnos and the Northern Sporades, but it doesn’t rupture all at once. An earthquake in Istanbul doesn’t have the capacity to directly affect Greek territory.”

Greece 4th Most Popular Summer Destination for Europeans
Southern Europe remains the top choice for Europeans at 41%, though down 8% from last year, likely due to rising temperatures and climate concerns.

Easter Sales Performance and the Source of €4–5 Million in Losses
Easter retail sales were relatively weak this year, with the only "real winners" being the livestock farmers who had lambs to sell.

Hotel Foreclosures Continue to Plague Greece’s Islands
A surge in hotel foreclosures across Greece’s islands threatens small tourism businesses, despite booming visitor numbers and record-breaking travel in 2024.

Athens Launches Task Force to Safeguard Historic City Center
The new municipal unit will ensure compliance to zoning laws, curb noise, and address tourist rental issues starting from the Plaka district.

WTTC: Travel & Tourism to Create 4.5M New Jobs in EU by 2035
This year, international visitor spending is set to reach 573 billion euros, up by more than 11% year-on-year

IMF: US Tariffs Shake Global Economy, Outlook Downbeat
IMF slashes global growth forecast to 2.8% as U.S. tariffs create uncertainty and ‘negative supply shock

First Step Towards New Audiovisual Industry Hub in Drama
The project is set to contribute to the further development of Greece’s film industry and establish Drama as an audiovisual hub in the region

Airbnb Greece – Initial CoS Ruling Deems Tax Circular Unlawful
The case reached the Council of State following annulment applications filed by the Panhellenic Federation of Property Owners (POMIDA)

Mitsotakis Unveils €1 Billion Plan for Housing, Pensioners, Public investments
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a new set of economic support measures, worth 1 billion euros, aiming to provide financial relief to citizens.