From 25 to 28 October 2024, Rhodes will host the International Sea Tourism Festival by Ayia Napa Marina (ISTF 2024), one of the most important institutions of marine tourism. The Festival, which is under the auspices and generous support of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) and co-organised by the South Aegean Region, the Municipality of Rhodes, DERMAE and the Dodecanese Chamber of Commerce, brings together leading industry representatives, operators, entrepreneurs and the public. Discover the participating businesses, attend interesting seminars, music and cultural events.
ISTF 2024 is a unique opportunity for everyone to discover an industry with huge potential, combining the tourism experience with innovation, sustainability and new technologies, while offering networking opportunities for professionals and entrepreneurs.
Details of the programme:
ISTF 2024 Programme:
Friday, 25 October 2024 15:00 - 21:00: Exhibition
17:00 - 19:00: White Noise band on the ISTF stage
19:00 - 21:00: Inauguration - Official Opening Ceremony with the participation of the Authorities and the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Rhodes, as well as an impressive Fireworks Show.
Saturday, 26 October 2024 12:00 - 21:00: Exhibition
16:00 - 16:30: E-foil presentation by Maverick Waves Company
17:00 - 18:15: Open Air Seminar: «Smart Technologies in Marine Tourism»
Speakers: Stavros Karamontanis, Ioannis Kostopoulos, Konstantinos Dris
18:30 - 19:45: Open Air Seminar: «Blue Economy and Sustainable Development of the
Marine Tourism in Greece»
Speakers: Michael Tsatsaronis, George Vangelas
22:30: Exhibitors and Visitors Party at Barajar Fancy Cocktail Bar
Sunday, 27 October 2024
12:00 - 21:00: Report
12:00 - 13:00: Open Air Seminar: «Alien Species in the Mediterranean and the Greek Seas»
Speaker: Dr. Paraskevi K. Karahle
17:00 - 18:15: Open Air Seminar: «Training Opportunities and Employment Prospects in the Marine Tourism Sector»
Speakers: George Parisis, Katerina Lyritzi, Dionysia Leshopoulou, Alexandra Zerou 19:30 - 21:00: Viva Zapata band on the ISTF stage
Monday, 28 October 2024 12:00 - 21:00: Exhibition
13:00 - 14:00: Traditional Dances on the ISTF stage
14:30 - 15:30: Open Air Seminar: «The Role of Local Government and
Business Community in the Sustainable Development of Marine Tourism»
Speakers: George Hadjimarkos, Alexandros Koliadis, Ioannis Pappou
20:00 - 21:00: Closing ceremony
Free Entrance to the Rhodes Aquarium
During the weekend 26 & 27 October 2024, from 09:00 to 11:30, free entrance is provided to ISTF2024 visitors upon presentation of the Festival entrance ticket (entrance to the Festival is FREE)
The press conference held today, Thursday 24 October 2024 on the occasion of the launch of the International Marine Tourism Festival 2024 by Ayia Napa Marina at the Municipal Council Hall of the Municipality of Rhodes, attended by. A. Konstantinos, Representative of the South Aegean Region, the Vice-Regional Governor of Administrative Reform, Ms. Ch. Yasirani, Representative of the Municipality of Rhodes the Deputy Mayor of Tourism and Culture, Mr. Toppos, Representative of the Dodecanese Chamber of Commerce, General Secretary, Mrs. F. Spanou.
The President of the Organizing Committee of the International Marine Tourism Festival, Mr. Constantaros, stressed the importance of sustainable development and protection of marine resources as key priorities of the festival. He also stressed the need for innovation and smart technologies, which will contribute to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the marine tourism sector.
The Vice-Regional Head of Administrative Reform, Mrs. Yasirani, expressed her support for the festival, stressing that marine tourism is an integral part of the Greek tourism product. She also pointed out that Rhodes has excellent infrastructure to accommodate cruise ships and boats, and that marine tourism is in line with the vision of sustainable and innovative development for the island.
The Deputy Mayor of Tourism and Culture, Mr. Toppos, underlined the importance of Rhodes as a top destination, stressing that the festival highlights the rich maritime and naval tradition of the island. He also stressed that the festival is an excellent opportunity to promote sustainable forms of tourism, combining tourism development with the protection of the natural environment, which benefits the local community.
Finally, the General Secretary of the Dodecanese Chamber, Mrs. F. Spanou, pointed out that the Chamber has supported the Marine Tourism Festival since its first edition, recognizing its importance for the promotion of Rhodes. He also mentioned that the Chamber invests in thematic tourism exhibitions in order to enhance the promotion of the island and the development of marine tourism.
