It was with great pleasure that she participated in the 4th Pan-Hellenic Forum on Culture and Tourism of Aegialia, held on August 28 and 29 in Aigio, the secretary of the Association of Patmians of Rhodes,
“Saint Christodoulos” Konstantina Akrivou, who also represented the Federation of Dodecanese Community Associations of Rhodes. As the Federation’s events coordinator, she conveyed warm greetings from its president, Mr. Nikos Konstantinidis, as well as from the presidents of Patmos, Kalymnos, Leros, Nisyros, Kasos, Karpathos, Kos, Tilos, Halki, and Symi, as well as from the representatives of Lipsi, Agathonisi, Kastellorizo, and Astypalea.
During her presentation, she spoke about the islands of the Dodecanese, their culture, traditions, and the unique identity of each place.
At the workshop held on the second day (on the topic of artificial intelligence and tourism), she chose Patmos as a prime example, one of the islands represented in the Federation, and presented the initiative “Digital Passport – Patmos Digital Passport.”
This is a modern and interactive initiative by the Association of Patmians of Rhodes, which combines culture and tradition with the possibilities of technology. By scanning QR codes at selected points along the route, visitors discover historical information, important landmarks, local traditions, flavors, and unique aspects of Patmos, while simultaneously collecting digital stamps in their personal Digital Passport.
The initiative also has a reward component: depending on the number of digital stamps they collect, visitors can receive commemorative certificates, discounts, and special perks from participating local businesses on the island. Furthermore, through the use of augmented reality (AR) technology, the musical and dance tradition of “Kapetan Sideris” comes to life in an original and interactive way.
The proposal was presented and discussed during the workshop, which provided an opportunity to exchange views, experiences, and creative ideas with participants from all over Greece.
As part of the presentation, commemorative bags and mugs featuring the relevant QR code were distributed, and other promotional items, courtesy of the Association of Patmians of Rhodes, as well as tourist guides for Patmos provided by the Municipality of Patmos,enabling conference participants and representatives of various organizations to gain a better understanding of Patmos’s history and culture.
As a token of appreciation, and to mark the Forum’s hosting in Aegialia, a special QR code dedicated to the region was created. Through this code, key attractions, the history, and the natural beauty of Aegialia are highlighted, as a symbolic gesture of gratitude toward the place that welcomed and hosted the conference participants.
The complete proposal for the “Digital Passport – Patmos Digital Passport” will be submitted to the Mayor of Patmos, with the hope that it will be utilized as a modern tool for promoting the island’s history, culture, and tourism identity.
Also participating in the Forum was the secretary of the Federation of Cultural Associations of Rhodes, Ms. Voula Kosma, who represented the Federation and made a substantial contribution, with her well-researched proposals, to the promotion of Rhodes’ cultural activities; at the end, she offered attendees the traditional Rhodes melekouni.
Also noteworthy was the participation of artist Giouli Netkidou in the Forum’s art exhibition, which featured a large number of artists; there, she presented three magnificent works inspired by Rhodes, highlighting, through her own artistic perspective, the beauty and cultural identity of the island of Rhodes, and captivating the visitors.
Konstantina Akrivou, secretary of the Association of Patmians of Rhodes, expressed her heartfelt thanks to Ms. Kosma for her excellent cooperation, to the president of the Federation of Cultural Associations of Rhodes, Mr. Panagiotis Englezos, for his invaluable assistance with the trip and his support, as well as to the president of the Federation of Dodecanese Community Associations of Rhodes, Mr. Nikos Konstantinidis, for the trust he placed in her and for the honor of representing the Dodecanese islands and conveying his greetings to the Forum, as well as those of the other presidents of the Federation of Dodecanese Community Associations.
At the same time, she thanked the organizers for the invitation and hospitality.It was a unique experience, through which the Dodecanese took a virtual journey to Aegialia, showcasing their culture and traditions.
Now it’s Rhodes’ turn!
The secretary of the Federation of Cultural Associations of Rhodes, Ms. Voula Kosma, invited the conference delegates—members of the Federations—to the Pre-Forum in Rhodes, which the Federation of Cultural Associations of Rhodes is preparing and organizing with great enthusiasm and dedication.
President Efthymios Hatzikostas and the members of the Association of Patmians of Rhodes wish the organizers strength and every success!