April tourist arrivals on the rise
International arrivals at the airport of the Greek island of Rhodes have increased by 59% per cent over the past month in comparison to April 2010. Tourists arriving in Rhodes with charter flights this April amounted to 67,692 compared to 42,495 for the same month in 2010. According to the Civil Aviation Service, aircraft movements more than doubled, to 945 in April 2011 (from 436 in April 2010 and 558 in April 2009). The island is expecting its visitor figures to further grow this year, as it is recording an increased interest in its airport slots, up by 19.6 per cent compared to last year.
Cruise passengers were also on the rise last month, growing by 36 per cent compared to the April 2010, from 36,772 to 49,870.
Along with Germany, UK is the top source market in Europe for Rhodes. Tom Panagos, PR Manager for Rhodes Tourism in the UK, commented: “Greece is making a comeback this year and Rhodes is exceptionally positioned for those Brits who want to rediscover this all time classic destination. The weather, the beaches and the food have always been there – but over the last few years we have focused on upgrading our tourism product, with more than 100 luxury hotels on the island, a new terminal and a new marina opening soon”. He continued: “Prices in Rhodes remain on similar levels to the 2010 season and our hotels offer exceptional added value. From all inclusive family holidays to a relaxing week in the sun and even short indulgent breaks, there are some amazing deals out there so we encourage people to shop around and find the right one for them!”
Savvas Savvaidis, General Manager from Savvaidis & Associates Estate Agents welcomes the news as very positive. “Rhodes is a classic tourism destination with a strong foundation of its tourism industry. The island has a great potential for developing tourism all year round.April’s figures confirm the trend. The arrival of Low Cost Carriers in Rhodes this winter has shown that there can be a sustainable tourism activity during the winter months. After all being in full sunshine under 14-16 degrees is not really considered winter for North European standards ” adds Savvas Savvaidis.
