Greece offers free Rhodes stays to fire-affected tourists

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

In a pioneering initiative to rectify the impact of last summer’s wildfires on Rhodes, the Greek government has announced a program offering a free week-long hotel stay for travellers affected by the evacuations. This gesture, part of a broader effort to support tourism recovery on the island, allows those who were evacuated during the fires in July 2023 to return under more pleasant circumstances.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, travelers who had their vacations disrupted by the wildfires can apply for a complimentary stay of seven days and six nights at select hotels. These stays can be scheduled from now until May 31 or between October 1 and November 15, at hotels participating in the program. Myron Flouris, the general secretary of the Greek tourism ministry, acknowledged the complexity of launching such a unique recovery initiative, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment as promised by the prime minister.

Eligible travelers interested in benefiting from this program must apply through an online platform, providing details such as their previous hotel, room type, reservation number, and the duration of their original stay. Those qualifying will receive accommodation in hotels that match the category and room type of their disrupted stay.

The compensation provided to travelers varies based on the hotel’s classification and the room type, structured as follows: €300 for stays in 1- to 3-star hotels with up to a triple room type, €400 for stays in 1- to 3-star hotels with more than a triple room type, and similarly structured rates for 4- and 5-star accommodations, peaking at €500 for the highest category and room type.

Last summer’s wildfires, which were part of a wider heatwave across Europe, had a severe impact on Rhodes, leading to significant evacuations and environmental damage, including to an inland nature reserve. Despite these challenges, Rhodes continues to offer its quintessential attractions such as beautiful beaches, boating opportunities, and the historic Jewish quarter, making it a resilient and appealing destination for tourists.

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