Rhodes Getting Ready for ASTA International Showcase Event in May 2019

ASTA’s Robert Duglin and Jenn Whitney with South Aegean Governor George Hatzimarkos (right); Vice Governor Marietta Papavasiliou with FedHATTA President Lyssandros Tsilidis (left)

An American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) delegation, headed by Vice President Robert Duglin, recently visited Rhodes to discuss with local authorities details regarding the program of the ASTA International Showcase event, to be held on the island between May 12-16.

Organized in collaboration with the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the South Aegean Region, the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Tourist & Travel Agencies (FedHATTA) and the Association of Rhodes’ Tourism Agencies, the ASTA International Showcase is expected to welcome 400 US tour operators on Rhodes.

During their visit to Rhodes, Duglin and Jenn Whitney, ASTA Director of Marketing Programs, met with local authorities and discussed the tourism prospects of the Dodecanese islands and particularly Rhodes and Kos. They also held a meeting with South Aegean Governor George Hatzimarkos and toured some of the island’s landmark sites, which will be included in the program of the ASTA International Showcase event.

Photo Source: Municipality of Rhodes

“There are currently many destinations of the Cyclades (island group) that are very popular in the US market, but the Dodecanese islands have not managed to keep up and attract American travelers. We are trying to change that,” said Vice Governor for Tourism, Sports and Culture Marietta Papavasiliou.

“The US market is a challenge as it offers many significant opportunities. Inbound tourism from the US is constantly increasing and the future prospects are very positive. The ASTA International Showcase event will further enhance this trend and promote Rhodes’ tourism wealth to the US market,” she added.

According to an announcement, a large number of US travel agents – members of ASTA have already expressed their interest to participate in the event and visit Rhodes in May. ASTA’s event is expected to give the US travel agents the opportunity to get to know Rhodes – and the wide range of tourism experiences it can offer to visitors – and include the destination in their travel packages.