After facing devastating wildfires that led to the largest evacuation in Greece's history, the picturesque island of Rhodes is making a bold move to rebuild its tourism industry. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on August 2 that his government is offering a free one-week trip to tourists whose holidays were disrupted by the recent wildfires. The initiative aims to encourage visitors to return to the island and rediscover its natural beauty, Euronews reported.
The wildfires, which raged through parts of Rhodes in July, caused extensive damage to homes and hotels, compelling around 20,000 people, including thousands of tourists, to flee the blazes. Recognizing the inconvenience and distress faced by tourists, the Greek government, in collaboration with local authorities, is planning to offer a free stay on Rhodes during either the next spring or fall season.
https://twitter.com/daryoeng/status/1683342345587277825However, specific details about the deal, such as how tourists can claim the offer and whether flights will be included, have not yet been released. It is likely that the peak summer season might be excluded from the offer to manage the influx of visitors.
While wildfires have occurred before on Rhodes, Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized that climate change is contributing to their increased intensity. He praised the island's residents for their remarkable support and hospitality towards tourists during these challenging times.
Tourism is a vital sector for Greece, constituting approximately a quarter of its gross domestic product (GDP). Rhodes, known for its stunning landscapes, ancient history, and crystal-clear waters, attracts around 2.6 mn visitors each year. The island's economy heavily relies on tourism, making it crucial to restore its appeal to travelers.
Responding to concerns about safety, officials and tourism bodies have reassured travelers that Rhodes is now ready to welcome them back. On July 31, the Greek Tourism Ministry announced that the operational state of emergency on Rhodes had expired, indicating that life on the island is returning to normal. The Hotel Association of Rhodes has reported that the island is now "fully operational" and has been receiving thousands of tourists daily. The association is optimistic that 100% of accommodations will soon reopen to cater to visitors.
In addition to the free holiday offer, an initiative has been launched to return personal belongings to guests who were evacuated during the fires. The Hotel Association of Rhodes will facilitate the return of luggage free of charge for guests who stayed at member hotels.
George Hatzimarkos, the regional governor of the South Aegean, expressed confidence in the island's recovery, stating that immediate restoration projects are underway in the limited number of affected areas. He assured tourists that Rhodes is rapidly resuming its status as a premier global tourism destination, offering exceptional travel experiences and authentic hospitality.
“Rhodes is coming back stronger. We fully reassure our visitors that they can reliably enjoy the exceptional travel experiences and the authentic hospitality that beautiful Rhodes offers as a top-notch (sic) global tourism destination,” George Hatzimarkos noted.
As the island rallies to rebuild its tourism industry and welcome back visitors, the Greek government and the people of Rhodes hope to reclaim the island's vibrancy and allure as a sought-after travel destination.
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