Greece

Greece Offers Free Holidays to Tourists Evacuated from Rhodes Wildfires in 2023

Published

8 months ago

April 13, 2024

A man reacts as a fire burns into the village of Gennadi on the Greek Aegean island of Rhodes (AFP via Getty Images)

Thousands of tourists who had to evacuate due to wildfires in Rhodes last July are being offered a complimentary seven-night stay this year, thanks to a new initiative by Greece.

Under this program, individuals forced to flee their hotel accommodations during the fires can claim e-vouchers ranging from €300 to €500, redeemable towards a week-long stay.

The initiative is divided into two phases: the first runs until May 31, and the second from October 1 to November 15.

Eligibility extends to all adult individuals, regardless of nationality, staying in evacuated hotels during the wildfires on Rhodes in July 2023.

The Greek tourism ministry’s general secretary, Myron Flouris, confirmed the program’s implementation, describing it as a complex yet successful endeavour, marking Greece as a pioneer in such initiatives globally.

Over 5,000 tourists have enrolled in the program, reflecting its positive reception and impact among affected travellers.

Greece Initiative comes in response to last summer’s wildfires, which disrupted thousands of vacations, necessitating evacuations and repatriation efforts for affected tourists.

The voucher values vary based on the star rating and room types of the affected hotels, ranging from €300 for up to triple rooms in three-star hotels to €500 for higher-rated accommodations.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis initially announced the initiative, reaffirming Greece’s commitment to supporting affected tourists and showcasing the island’s natural beauty.

Mitsotakis emphasized the growing challenges climate change poses, warning of increased wildfires and other climate-related disasters in the Mediterranean region.

The wildfires in Rhodes last year marked one of Greece’s largest evacuations of residents and tourists, significantly impacting the tourism sector, especially among British tourists.

Complimentary holiday encourages tourists to return to Rhodes, highlighting the island’s resilience and commitment to providing safe and enjoyable experiences.

The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to address climate-related challenges in the tourism sector, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and resilient tourism practices in the face of climate crises.