In a move that appears to be bucking the trend experienced in other parts of Europe, the Greek Islands are seeing improved tourist figures for the first four months of the year.

Reports about the island of Rhodes from the Greek tourism research authority ITEP indicate it is experiencing higher tourist figures this year than last. That is unusual given that other parts of Europe are showing slight declines on last year's numbers. Croatia, Portugal and Spain are all reporting decreases in holiday visitors while the Dodecanese Island group in the Aegean is reporting an 18.5% increase for the months January through April. That increase is solely due to the popularity of Rhodes which has seen figures jump by over 26% for the year to date. Crete is also another popular Greek destination with figures also higher than the previous year.

Rhodes claims to have some of the cleanest beaches in Europe gaining a quota of 33 Blue Flag Beach awards in 2009, two more than in 2008. A second area at Lardos beach in Lindos and the Ixia beach were the new recipients.

Rhodes is also increasingly popular with cruise ships that use the harbour in Rhodes Town as a stopover point allowing passengers to come ashore and sample the Old Town. Recently the cruise ship Costa Serena came to Rhodes as part of a Brazilian-themed seven day trip that featured the footballer Pele, who was on board to meet passengers on the voyage that started in Venice and sailed via Rhodes to Dubrovnik.

In addition to its attractiveness as a great beach holiday destination, a full programme of cultural events makes Rhodes an interesting place to visit too. A film festival, dancing displays, choir and music concerts and theatre performances all contribute to a packed calendar of events in July. Later in the year, during September, Rhodes hosts 'Music in Rhodes', its 10th International Classical Music Festival, followed by an Italian Cinema week from 28th September.