- China Visitors Summit (CVS) conference successfully hosted – Leading Chinese tour operators thrilled with the destination and hospitality
The globally recognized tourist identity of Rhodes, the rich cultural heritage and the unique natural environment of the island have made the destination a reference point for the Chinese tourism market, in the context of the organization of the international conference China Visitors Summit (CVS), which was held for the first time in Greece, on 14 and 15 May 2025, at the Sheraton Rhodes Resort Hotel.
At the initiative of the Municipality of Rhodes, PROTOUR and the Tourism Directorate, the island welcomed 100 leading Chinese tour operators, who had the opportunity to get to know Rhodes up close and meet with Rhodian tourism professionals, opening new channels of cooperation and investment interest.
Strategic opening to the Chinese market
“CVS is a vibrant meeting of cultures,” said the Mayor of Rhodes, Alexandros Koliadis, underlining the strategic importance of the Chinese market for Rhodes. “New perspectives for cooperation are opening up. With a plan and responsibility, we are investing in quality tourism, which unites people and cultures.”
Despite his absence abroad, the Deputy Mayor for Tourism and Culture and President of PROTOUR sent his message: “Our goal was for the leading Chinese tour operators to get to know what makes our island unique and to claim a share of the thousands of Chinese travelers who visit our country. We want Rhodes to become the first choice for Chinese travelers.”
Rhodes as a destination for experiences
During the two-day event, the Chinese professionals participated in B2B meetings with local tourism operators and visited emblematic places on the island, such as the Medieval City, the Palace of the Grand Master, Lindos, the Thermal Springs of Kallithea, and the Hill of Filerimos. At the same time, they tasted Rhodian cuisine in restaurants in the Medieval City and were hosted at the Casino, enjoying meals and local delicacies.
Rhodes was presented as an authentic, quality, and hospitable destination, with the ability to welcome tourism throughout the year, for travelers seeking experiences, culture, gastronomy, and unique natural beauty.
Positive impressions and meaningful contacts
The impressions of the Chinese agents were extremely positive, as reported by PROTOUR CEO Anastasios Konstantaros and Executive Director Dionysis Tsilinigiris. “They expressed enthusiasm for Rhodes, the quality of services, and hospitality. They visited hotels, tasted Rhodian cuisine, met the people of the island, and realized the possibilities it offers for weddings, conferences, and high-level events.”
The Tourism Directorate of the Municipality of Rhodes had taken care of the excellent presentation of the destination, offering rich information material, maps, books, and local products, such as melekounia, oil, ouzo, and herbs – all offerings from local entrepreneurs who embraced the effort.
Rhodes on the Chinese map
It is worth noting that, until recently, Rhodes was relatively unknown in the Chinese market. The successful organization of the CVS and the direct contact of tour operators with the destination are creating new dynamics. Chinese visitors are already promoting Rhodes in tourism media, while there is also interest in neighboring islands, such as Kos, Halki, and Tilos.
Rhodes’ participation in the China Visitors Summit was not just an international presence. It was a targeted and well-organized step of extroversion, with tangible results, strengthening the island’s position on the global tourism map.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
