Deep Dive into Rhodes’ All-Season Potential with Nikolas Kavalieros

Greece has long been associated with iconic islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, often attracting visitors in a seasonal surge limited to the warmer months. However, traveller preferences have evolved towards year-round, experience-rich destinations. Forward-looking enterprises reimagined what Greece could offer to these emerging markets. One such innovator is the World of Travel Factory (WOTF) Group, a Destination Management Company (DMC) specialising in Mediterranean locales, including Greece, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Under the direction of Managing Director, Nikolas Kavalieros, WOTF has taken the lead in introducing the Indian travel market to Rhodes—a lesser-known yet thriving Greek destination – positioning it as a viable, 12-month, multi-experience option.

For many first-time visitors, Greece’s appeal historically revolves around Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. Yet Kavalieros recognises Rhodes’s significant potential. He explained that although Rhodes already held a leadership position in tourism arrivals within Europe, it remains less familiar to much of Asia’s outbound market, including India. WOTF Group aims to demonstrate to the Indian travel trade that Rhodes offers an all-year proposition that is competitive in terms of experiences, variety, and pricing. Far from being just another seasonal seaside locale, Rhodes presents a multifaceted hub rich in cultural heritage, nature-driven adventures, luxury hospitality, and strong value. Located in the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes checks all the boxes; luxury hotels, fine dining options, cultural heritage (including the UNESCO-listed Medieval City of Rhodes), beachside activities, adventure sports, and ease of connectivity. He highlighted that the island is active all year and provides cost benefits, offering better value than more famous Greek islands.

As one of Europe’s pioneers in structured tourism marketing, Rhodes established a dedicated tourist board at an early stage. The foresight ensured that the island matured into a well-rounded destination supported by top-tier infrastructure, professional hospitality services, and a consistent influx of European visitors.

A Year-Round Destination

Rhodes stands apart from more celebrated Greek islands for several reasons – notably, scale and diversity. It is more extensive and greener, with a broad spectrum of activities extending well beyond the customary summer sun and sea narrative. From heritage walks through the UNESCO-listed Medieval City of Rhodes to adventurous pursuits like water sports, trekking, and cycling, the island appeals to travellers who crave variety. Nearby islands such as Simi, Chalki, Tilos, Kastelorizo, and even Turkey, just an hour’s ferry crossing, multiply these opportunities, making Rhodes a strategic base for exploring a cluster of destinations.

Kavalieros emphasised, “Rhodes is a 12-month destination. The weather remains pleasant beyond the typical European high season, and the infrastructure, hotels, restaurants, and attractions, stay operational. Indian travellers can visit even in what we call ‘shoulder’ or ‘low’ seasons, accessing special rates and fewer crowds while still enjoying a full suite of activities.”

Bridging Cultural Preferences

A key factor behind WOTF Group’s success lies in its profound understanding of the Indian market’s preferences. India’s outbound segment encompasses families, honeymooners, MICE groups, and destination wedding parties, each with distinct requirements. Vegetarian and Indian cuisine options, familiar comforts, and memorable, experiential elements are generally high on the priority list. WOTF prides itself on curating experiences attuned to these sensibilities.

Gastronomy serves as a prime attraction. With its abundant vegetarian and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Greek cuisine aligns well with Indian tastes. He shared, “Greek cuisine aligns well with Indian palates, offering abundant vegetarian and fresh farm-to-table options.” For those seeking familiarity, WOTF ensures access to Indian restaurants. Service standards are similarly refined, with guides, drivers, and hospitality partners trained to understand and accommodate the unique expectations of Indian guests, consistently going the extra mile.

MICE, Weddings, and Special Interest Tourism

Rhodes’ capabilities extend beyond leisure tourism. It offers two of the largest convention centres in Southern Europe, surpassing Athens in capacity. Its broad range of luxury and mid-range hotels, coupled with reliable connectivity, including direct flights arriving from across Europe between April and October, render Rhodes an ideal host for conferences, incentive programmes, and product launches. Beachfront venues and cultural landmarks lend themselves to innovative event concepts and ‘wow’ experiences.

Kavalieros, addressing the Indian wedding market, said, “For wedding planners, there are over 30 top-notch beach venues and numerous hotels that can cater to the full spectrum of events, including pre-wedding functions, ceremonies, and receptions. The island’s infrastructure is robust, and the environment, scenic coastlines, and historic backdrops naturally enhance the occasion.”

Commitment to Sustainability

Nearby islands such as Chalki, Tilos, and Astipalia have already achieved global recognition for implementing zero-waste targets, embracing solar energy, and operating sustainably. By participating in a European Union-backed initiative, in collaboration with leading tourism stakeholders like TUI, Rhodes aims to become fully sustainable by 2030. Newly constructed properties integrate eco-friendly designs and renewable energy sources, appealing to a younger, more environmentally conscious audience, a consideration increasingly important to Indian travel professionals and their clients as well.

Opportunities for Indian Travel Professionals

Greece stands as a gateway to Europe. With potential direct flights expected by 2026 and year-round products already on offer, now is the time for Indian travel agents, tour operators, and corporate travel planners to seize the opportunity. Agents proactively incorporating Rhodes into their Greek portfolios could secure a first-mover advantage. By presenting an island destination offering better value than Santorini and Mykonos, along with year-round activities and cultural alignment, they could differentiate their packages and enhance client satisfaction.

WOTF Group maintains a strong rapport with Indian travel agents through dedicated sales and marketing support, product training, and regular updates. The company consistently participates in major Indian travel trade fairs such as OTM and SATTE and intends to organise roadshows featuring Greek tourism boards. Kavalieros stated that WOTF’s mission is to help agents appreciate how Rhodes complemented classical Greek itineraries and stands proudly as a standalone destination.

Gateway to Europe

In a broader context, Greece has served as a gateway to Europe for Indian travellers, offering cultural affinity, warm hospitality, and a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Rhodes fits well as an addition to the India-Greece travel corridor. India’s outbound market is on a growth trajectory, with the likelihood of direct flight connections to Greece in the near future set to simplify itineraries and boost arrivals. Kavalieros said, “Now is the time to embrace new destinations like Rhodes. As Indian arrivals grow, those who pioneer these itineraries will earn client loyalty and become known for creative, memorable offerings. Greece can be a 12-month proposition, and Rhodes proves it.”