With great success and substantial participation by representatives of the tourism industry, local government, hoteliers, businesspeople, institutions, and organizations, the conference of the Dodecanese Association of Travel Agencies was held on the afternoon of Friday, July 17, in Rhodes, at the Sheraton Rhodes Resort, the conference of the Dodecanese Association of Travel Agencies, focusing on the resilience of tourism and the challenges it faces.
The event was organized to mark the presentation of the Dodecanese Association of Travel Agencies’ bilingual commemorative publication, titled “The Dodecanese and Tourism: Resilience During the Crisis Period 2015–2023,” edited by the editorial team of “Kathimerini.”
This is a journalistic documentary that captures the unprecedented situations that tourism professionals, business owners, elected officials, and local communities on the islands were called upon to manage during this difficult period, which is recorded as the most challenging in the modern history of the South Aegean. A period that highlighted, in the clearest possible way, the power of collective effort, cooperation, adaptability, and resilience.
At the center of it all were the crises that had a decisive impact on the Dodecanese: the refugee and migrant wave of 2015–2016 in Kos and Leros, the powerful earthquake in Kos in 2017, the sudden bankruptcy of Thomas Cook in 2019, the pandemic, the geopolitical pressures following the war in Ukraine, Greek-Turkish tensions, and the major fire on Rhodes in 2023.
A common conclusion drawn from the presentations was that the Dodecanese not only weathered these successive crises but also managed—while preserving their identity, cohesion, and dynamism, to recover at a pace that exceeded all expectations and to emerge as a model of cooperation, renewal, and resilience. The islands’ experience is now recognized as a unique case study for Greek and global tourism, confirming that successful crisis management is the result of preparation, coordination, trust, and collective responsibility.
The conference was opened by Mr. Christos Michalakis, president of the Dodecanese Association of Travel Agencies and secretary general of the Dodecanese Chamber of Commerce. This was followed by remarks from Ms. Alexandra Mandrakou, a journalist for “Kathimerini” and editor-in-chief of the anniversary edition, as well as remarks by members of the Union’s Board of Directors: Vice President Mr. Evripidis Samaras, Treasurer Ms. Yolanda Kappa, Mr. Michalis Roditis, Commissioner for Shipping Agents and Maritime Tourism, and Board member Mr. Triantafyllos Psaras. The event was coordinated by the Association’s Secretary General, Mr. Anastasios Hatziliamis.
In his remarks, Mr. Michalakis emphasized that crises are no longer the exception but part of the modern reality of the tourism market, noting in particular: “You don’t choose crises. But we do have a choice in how we manage them.” At the same time, he highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaboration, emphasizing that the true legacy of every crisis is the knowledge it leaves behind.
Particular emphasis was also placed on the philosophy with which the Dodecanese tourism sector approaches visitors and the destination. As noted, visitors cannot be treated merely as arrival figures, but as people who played a decisive role in helping the region weather its most difficult moments.
As part of the conference, the following delivered greetings via pre-recorded messages: MEP and former Minister of Tourism Ms. Elena Kountoura, European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and easyJet CEO Gary Wilson.
The highlight of the event was the discussion between the Regional Governor of the South Aegean and President of EN.P.E., Mr. George Hatzimarkos, the President of the Dodecanese Travel Agencies Association and Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Christos Michalakis, the president of POX, Mr. Ioannis Hatzis, the CEO of DER Touristik Nordic, Mr. Tobias Jonsson, and journalist and publisher Mr. Konstantinos Deriziotis. The discussion was moderated by “Kathimerini” journalist Ms. Alexandra Mandrakou.
The Regional Governor of the South Aegean, Mr. George Hatzimarkos, focused on the administrative management of crises and the weight of responsibility when making critical decisions, noting that “resilience is not measured in seconds; it is built.” At the same time, he expressed his confidence in the islands’ human resources, which have been a decisive factor in preserving the destination’s identity and vitality.
The president of P.O.X., Mr. Ioannis Hatzis, emphasized the strategic importance of collective networks, noting that preparedness is put to the test every day in practice. As he noted, in an era of constant challenges, the goal is to forge stronger collective, business, and social ties so that the tourism sector remains resilient and prepared to face the next crisis.
Mr. Tobias Jonsson, CEO of DER Touristik Nordic, shared insights from the Scandinavian market and noted that the organization’s customers appreciated the respect and organization they experienced.
For his part, journalist and publisher Mr. Konstantinos Deriziotis analyzed the challenges of the future, emphasizing the need to fortify Greek tourism within a highly competitive international environment, as well as the need to safeguard the value for money of the Greek tourism product.
The Dodecanese Association of Travel Agencies extends its warmest thanks to all those who honored the conference with their presence, participation, and contributions. The overwhelming response confirms that tourism in the Dodecanese not only has a strong history of resilience but also the determination to plan for the future with seriousness, unity, and foresight.
The commemorative publication “The Dodecanese and Tourism: Resilience During the 2015–2023 Crisis Period” is a valuable guide to experience and a foundation of knowledge, strategic planning, and responsibility for the future of Greek tourism. Through the experiences of the Dodecanese, it becomes clear that a destination’s resilience is built day by day through collaboration, proper preparation, a shared vision, and trust in the people who serve it. (To order the bilingual anniversary edition, please contact info@atad.gr )