2024-03-14 21:32:58
A total of 6,200 Turkish tourist arrivals in Rhodes and Kos are expected to take place on April 10 on the occasion of the end of Ramadan, a number that shows a significant increase compared to previous years. It is estimated that the seven-day express visa for Turkish citizens who wish to vacation on 10 Greek islands, including Rhodes, Kos, Leros, Symi and Kastellorizo, contributes to this fact.
One of the popular Turkish destinations is Rhodes, which is easily accessible from the Turkish coast throughout the year. The arrival of tourists from Turkey during the low tourist season on the island is expected to help support the market. After all, this is a category of tourists who prefer restaurants and shops, who like the island’s gastronomy and the offered entertainment options. They are among the “good customers” who do not remain “locked up” in hotels, but move freely on the island and in the market.
The express visa will generally contribute to the increase in tourist flows and Rhodes can only benefit from the measure, according to the island’s tourism agents.
“A large number of visitors from Turkey are expected in Rhodes and Kos on the occasion of Ramadan. Turkish tourists have always preferred our islands, but we believe that the start of the express visa measure will play an important role in increasing demand, which we expect to be reflected in the coming period. The procedural problems that existed for the issuance of the visa acted as a deterrent, the express visa simplifies things a lot, which is why we estimate that the flow of visitors will be increased during the season. Turkish tourists support the local market and we believe that Rhodes can only reap benefits”, said shipping agent Mr. Michalis Roditis.
It is worth noting that the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, referring to the express visa in the context of the international tourism exhibition in Berlin, stated that the measure is going to revitalize the development of the islands located near the Turkish coast. He reminded that this is a visa at the gate program and not a visa free regime. Travelers from Turkey will receive a visa from the relevant Greek authorities upon arrival at one of the 10 islands where they are holidaying. He stressed that police checks will be extremely strict to avoid violations of the new framework.
It is noted that this specific entry visa will have a strictly seven-day duration, while Turkish citizens will not be able to travel from the 10 islands to other European countries with it.