The Greek economy remained in recession for the first half of 2016 , according to the official data released by the Greek Statistical Services (ELSTAT).

In efforts to expand the tourism season and attract new markets, the South Aegean Region is tapping into the Middle East with the launch of two direct flights on September 7 and 14 from Jordan to Rhodes as part of a pilot program set to be fully implemented in 2017, with the Greek embassy in Amman already moving ahead with visa procedures for visitors.

Plans for the creation of a fully-fledged archaeological park aiming to both highlight and preserve Rhodes’ famed Acropolis are in the pipeline, said South Aegean Region Prefect George Hadjimarkos this week.