The familiarization trip (press trip) of Turkish lifestyle influencers and journalists to Rhodes, which took place from July 3 to 8, 2025, was completed with complete success. The action was organized by the Rhodes Hoteliers Association (EXR) in collaboration with the Greek National Tourism Organization Office in Turkey and the Tourism Department of the Consulate General of Greece in Istanbul, with the valuable support of the Municipality of Rhodes through the Tourism Directorate.
The trip is part of a targeted extroversion strategy implemented by EXR, which began earlier this year with the organization’s participation in the leading tourism exhibition EMITT in Istanbul. The main objective is to strengthen Rhodes’ presence in the dynamic Turkish market and to support the new direct flight connection between Istanbul and Rhodes by Aegean Airlines, which creates significant prospects for the touristic interconnection of the two regions.
The mission included five influential personalities from the Turkish media, gastronomy, travel, and lifestyle sectors, with a strong presence on social media. During their stay, the guests had the opportunity to get to know the unique cultural heritage of the island, to visit the historical monuments and the old town of Rhodes, but also to enjoy the natural beauties and the high-level tourist infrastructure.
A special place in the program was occupied by the acquaintance with the gastronomic identity of Rhodes through careful tasting experiences, as well as contact with the vibrant nightlife of the island. Another highlight was the one-day excursion to neighboring Symi, where participants were thrilled by the picturesqueness and authenticity of the small island, gaining strong positive impressions. The Municipality of Symi contributed substantially to the success of the excursion, offering warm hospitality to visitors.
The response from the participants was particularly positive, with rich content being published immediately in Turkish media and digital platforms, strengthening the position of Rhodes and Symi as attractive, quality, and authentic destinations for the Turkish travel public.
“The local support of the Municipality of Rhodes and all the stakeholders involved was crucial for the success of the trip. Such initiatives highlight the potential of Rhodes as a destination with a multidimensional tourist product and strengthen the international image of the island”, said representatives of EXR, expressing warm thanks to the Consulate General, the GNTO Office in Istanbul, the Municipality of Rhodes, the Municipality of Symi, the Rhodes Guides Association and local entrepreneurs for their contribution.
Rhodes continues to invest consistently in extroversion, implementing actions with strategic targeting, professionalism, and a modern perception of tourism, with the aim of expanding markets and attracting quality visitors.
