22nd May 2008

NEW SURVEY REVEALS THAT RHODES IS A CULTURAL DELIGHT

The fun- and sun-seeking young holidaymakers once notorious on the Greek island of Rhodes are being outnumbered by an influx of culture vultures, according to the latest research.

A study of more than 2,200 tourists has revealed that the island’s ancient Greek sites, culture and natural beauty rank as its top attractions, followed by the weather, beaches and people. Only 6.5 per cent of respondents chose entertainment as the highlight of their holiday – and more significantly, entertainment did not even factor in the reasons given for choosing to visit Rhodes.

The research programme into consumer satisfaction of hotels on Rhodes and the appeal of the island itself was carried out by Dr Kevin Nield of Sheffield Hallam University on behalf of the Rhodes Hotel Association.

Over the past few years, considerable investment has been put into creating additional four- and five-star accommodation in Rhodes - and it would seem that this focus has paid off as seven out of 10 guests rated accommodation standards as ‘excellent’ or ‘above average’. The island’s hotel staff was also highly praised by 82 per cent of respondents.

Of all 11 attributes identified to assess the island’s hotels, including efficiency, service and cleanliness, none were considered to be less than average.

The overall satisfaction of visitors to Rhodes with both their hotels and the destination as a whole was shown by over 90 per cent who said they would return to the island in future. The most common reason given for not wishing to return was simply the preference to visit a new destination each holiday.

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For further information on Rhodes, see www.rodosisland.gr.

For media information, please contact

Kate Popham at kate@saltmarshpr.co.uk

Kylie Jenkins at kylie@saltmarshpr.co.uk

Tel: 020 7928 1600
Fax: 020 7928 1700

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