An Indian philanthropist and a Dutch tourist couple — devoted friends and admirers of the island — were honored by the Municipality of Rhodes.

The Tourism Directorate of the Municipality of Rhodes awarded them the highest honorary distinctions — a platinum plaque and a gold honorary award — as they are considered the island’s best ambassadors.

“I have three homelands: India, the country where I was born; Germany, the country where I live and create; and Rhodes, which I adore and have been visiting twice a year for over 35 years.”

With these heartfelt words, the distinguished Indian philanthropist Manherlal Nanubhai Desai — who supports children, schools, and hospitals in his homeland of India — expressed his deep love for our island.

He also sincerely thanked the staff of the Tourism Directorate for presenting him with the Gold Honorary Distinction for Friends of Rhodes, specifically Dr. Nikos Manikaros, Director of the Tourism Directorate, and Maria Chatzikyriakidou, Tourism and Culture Advisor, who represented the Directorate at the awards ceremony in the absence of the Deputy Mayor of Tourism and Culture, Georgios Toppos, who was abroad.

Mr. Desai, who is worth noting has been visiting Rhodes for many years together with his wife, Renate Dieter Ernst — although she was unable to accompany him this time — comes to the island every spring and autumn, staying at the Apollo Beach Hotel. In spring, he visits as part of an international bridge team, while in autumn, specifically in October, he returns with his family for holidays.

At the award ceremony, Mr. Manherlal Nanubhai Desai was accompanied by the director of the Apollo Beach Hotel, Mr. Georgios Koliadis, who stated that after so many years, he considers Mr. Desai not just a friend, but like a father. Also present was the well-known and respected journalist from Rhodes, Nektarios Kalogirou.

Following that, the staff of the Tourism Directorate awarded a platinum plaque — the highest honorary distinction — to a Dutch couple, Hans and Chris Statema, who have been visiting Rhodes continuously for over 50 years, with more than 100 visits. They were honored as true ambassadors of Rhodes, not only in their homeland but beyond.

Mr. and Mrs. Statema arrived on the island together with their entire family — children and grandchildren — to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of their relatives, on the island they hold so dear.

Their bond with Rhodes is timeless. The island has taken root in their hearts — they are enchanted by its unmatched natural beauty, its rich history and culture that is evident in every corner, and above all, by the warmth and hospitality of its people. Over the years, they have built close family-like friendships with local residents.

The friends of the island engaged in warm conversations with the staff of the Tourism Directorate, sharing their impressions and fondest memories from their holidays in Rhodes. They were given both printed and digital material about the island, as well as invitations to attend screenings at the Throne of Helios.

Director Mr. Manikaros expressed his heartfelt thanks to all of Rhodes’ returning visitors — the well-known repeaters — for the love they have shown to our island and for the fact that, through their continued visits over the years, they have truly become its finest ambassadors in their home countries.