Rhodes Targets India’s Fast-Growing Travel Market as Direct Flights Boost Connectivity

<a href="https://www.rodos-rhodes.com/">Rhodes is accelerating efforts to tap into India’s rapidly expanding outbound tourism market, positioning the island as a high-potential destination for Indian travelers following the launch of new direct air links to Greece.

Against the backdrop of IndiGo’s first direct flights connecting Athens with Mumbai and Delhi, the the Municipality of Rhodes and the Rhodes Tourism Promotion Organization (PROTOUR) hosted 17 representatives from leading Indian travel agencies on a targeted familiarization trip aimed at integrating the island into organized holiday packages.

The initiative forms part of Greece’s broader push to deepen tourism ties with India, one of the world’s fastest-growing source markets. Greece and India are also preparing to sign a new bilateral tourism cooperation agreement in 2026, further strengthening institutional cooperation.

During the visit, Indian travel professionals were introduced to Rhodes as a flexible addition to multi-destination itineraries, a travel pattern common among Indian visitors who often base themselves in Athens before exploring other regions.

“The visit of the Indian travel agents was an absolute success,” said Deputy Tourism Councillor Nikos Pavlakidis, noting growing interest from the Indian market following targeted promotional actions.

Focus on high-value and year-round travel

Meetings at Rhodes Town Hall brought together local officials and PROTOUR representatives, including Pavlakidis, Deputy Mayor for Communication George Patta and PROTOUR adviser Dionysis Tsiligiris.

Discussions focused on tourism segments with strong appeal to affluent Indian travelers, such as luxury travel, conferences, and destination weddings.

Local authorities aim to position Rhodes as a regular stop in Indian holiday itineraries, supported by expectations that the IndiGo Mumbai–Athens route will operate year-round, helping extend travel demand beyond the summer season.

“Our municipal authority and PROTOUR are implementing a coordinated strategy to strengthen Rhodes’ position in this key growth market,” Pavlakidis added.

As part of this outreach, Rhodes will also participate in the OTM Mumbai travel exhibition from February 5 to 7, one of Asia’s leading tourism trade fairs, where further business meetings are planned.