Free Holidays To Greece For People Who Were Affected By The Rhodes Wildfires
In a heartwarming gesture, the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has extended a generous offer to British holidaymakers who were affected by the devastating wildfires in Rhodes.
In a heartwarming move, the Greek Prime Minister has offered all those who were affected by the Rhodes wildfires a free one-week holiday next year.
Over 1,400 fires ravaged parts of Greece from July 22 onwards, leading to the evacuation of around 20,000 tourists. However, the Greek Prime Minister aims to reassure visitors that Rhodes is now back to normal, and to entice them to return.
The wildfires in Greece caused widespread destruction. While the fires affected various parts of the country, including Corfu and Evia, Rhodes was among the islands most severely impacted. The Greek Government said that less than 15% of Rhodes was directly affected by the fires, with no active wildfires remaining on the island.
In an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his relief that Rhodes is now “more welcoming than ever.” He conveyed his determination to rebuild the island and ensure that visitors can once again enjoy its natural beauty.
He said: “For all those whose holiday was cut short as a result of wildfires, the Greek government in cooperation with local authorities will offer one week of free holidays on Rhodes, next spring, the next fall, so that we make sure they come back to the island and enjoy its natural beauty.”
Read: Greece Wildfires Know Your Rights
The wildfires in Rhodes prompted a frantic evacuation of British holidaymakers. One mother from Devon described the “frantic scramble” to escape the fires, emphasizing the traumatic experience for herself and her family.
Another father from Lincoln said it was the scariest time of his life. Others who were evacuated on flights from Rhodes shared similar sentiments, highlighting the emotional toll the ordeal had taken on them.
The wildfires in Greece not only caused significant disruption for tourists but also had a broader impact on the travel and tourism industry. The UK government issued cautionary advice to those planning trips to Greek islands, urging them to stay informed and take necessary precautions. TUI, a prominent airline, suspended all Rhodes holidays until August due to safety concerns.
The fires that ravaged Greece were primarily caused by a combination of extreme heat and instances of arson.
Greece’s climate minister confirmed that the hot weather played a significant role in fuelling the wildfires, while also acknowledging that some were deliberately started by arsonists. These factors contributed to the rapid spread and intensity of the fires, exacerbating the challenges faced by emergency services.
Tragically, the wildfires in Greece resulted in multiple casualties and losses. Two pilots lost their lives when a firefighting plane crashed in Evia.
At least 34 people were killed in wildfires in Algeria, and two bodies were discovered in southern Italy. These devastating incidents underscore the severity of the fires and the immense challenges faced by emergency response teams across the Mediterranean.
Following the wildfires, the focus has shifted toward rebuilding and recovery efforts. The Greek government has prioritized the restoration of tourism in Rhodes, recognizing its significance as a popular destination for international visitors.
The offer of a week’s free stay on the island is part of a broader strategy to encourage affected tourists to return and experience the island’s natural beauty once again.
