- Tourist arrivals in Rhodes are increasing, but visitors stay for shorter periods of time and spend less.
- Dependence on the British market is worrying, as a fall in sterling can significantly affect tourism.
- Hotels are investing in improvements, but the overall experience of the tourist also depends on the condition of the island.
- The success of the tourist season is not only judged by the arrivals, but also by the financial footprint left by the visitors.
Giorgos Matsigos said what everyone sees in Rhodes but few say it. Arrivals are on the rise, September is going well, charters will arrive by November 15, and the next season opens on March 23. Only the visitor now comes for 3, 4 and 5 days, closes a room 2 days before flying and shopping in the supermarket breakfast, lunch and dinner. "The world is circulating, but not spending" is the most honest phrase of this year.
The second bell is dependency. The UK is up 8.% with 9% every year and its difference from Germany, which recedes close to 4%It could reach 300,000 visitors this year. When a destination touches so much in a market, a misstep of the sterling is enough for the whole island to feel it. Poland, Sweden, Israel and Italy are helping but not replacing.
And it remains self-evident. The hotels invested and compete which will become better, but the tourist judges the island from the moment it comes out of their gate. Traffic, parking, trash, a "Diagoras" that begins to strain. These are not solved in exhibitions in London and Berlin.
The arrivals record is a nice title, but the season is all about who leaves behind.
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