The initiation of visa-on-arrival services for select Greek Islands has ignited a noticeable surge in interest among Turkish travelers, with Rhodes standing out as a favored destination.
During the week-long holiday period, over 5,000 Turkish tourists ventured from Marmaris and Fethiye in the western province of Muğla to Rhodes Island.
The coinciding timing of the Eid al-Fitr holiday with the commencement of visa-on-arrival facilities for 10 Greek islands, beginning April 1, has propelled a notable increase in Turkish tourist footfall to these locales.
According to Recep Yavuz, a tour operator facilitating travel to these islands, data gathered from ferry companies operating out of Marmaris Port suggests that the influx of Turkish visitors during the holiday period surpassed 20,000. Among these, over 5,000 traveled to Rhodes, 4,000 to Kos, 3,000 to Samos, 3,000 to Chios, 5,000 to Lesbos, and 1,000 to Meis from Fethiye and Marmaris.
“Hotels, restaurants, and ferry services on the islands have experienced high demand from Turkish tourists since the commencement of the holiday period. Rhodes, accessible via a one-hour ferry ride from Marmaris, has notably emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations,” remarked Yavuz.
Businesses on the islands, typically dormant during the winter months, have seen the tourism season kick-off earlier than usual this year, thanks to the recent influx of Turkish travelers.
