The Medieval City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is taking a decisive step toward the future of sustainable tourism management with the support of TOURISMO. The installation of new “smart” radar sensors in key points of the Old Town has been successfully completed to provide valuable data on the tourism flows within the Medieval City.

The new sensors leverage advanced mmWave radar technology, which provides multiple benefits:

• Accurate Measurement: Offers real-time measurement of pedestrians and cyclists with high accuracy.
• Operation 24/7: Guarantees uninterrupted operation regardless of weather conditions or lighting.
• Absolute Privacy: Ensures the absolute protection of personal data of residents and visitors, as it does not capture video or images.

The sensors have been installed at the eight main entrance gates of the Medieval City (Symi Square, Gate of the Virgin, Gate d’Amboise, Gate of Arnáldos, Gate of Akantias, Gate of St. John, Gate of St. Athanasius, and Sea Gate). The selection of these points allows for the effective monitoring of tourist flows and the optimization of management.

Data collection has already begun, and the first results are accessible in real-time through a dedicated public control panel (dashboard) on the Snap4City platform.

Access the data: https://www.snap4city.org/dashboardSmartCity/view/newTheme.php?iddasboard=NDgwMg==

This open data environment enhances transparency and supports the taking of evidence-based decisions by local authorities, researchers, tourism businesses, and the community itself.

As stated by the President of the Development Agency of South Aegean Region READ S.A., Ms. Mara Antoniadi: “With TOURISMO, we are turning scientific observation into strategy: a modern, documented management of tourist traffic, with absolute respect for our cultural monuments and the quality of life.”

Rhodes, through the TOURISMO project, is laying the foundation to become a model for smart and sustainable destinations in the Mediterranean.