Tourists affected by the fires on Rhodes have been offered a week-long free stay on the island during spring and autumn next year by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
On July 18, fires broke out in central Rhodes and, due to dry conditions and a strong wind, spread to the eastern and southern coasts of the island, including tourist resorts, causing over 20 000 tourists and locals to be evacuated.
Greek authorities have reported that 45 buildings were damaged in Rhodes.
Mitsotakis said, following the largest evacuations in the country’s history, that the situation had returned to normal, adding that the authorities understood the inconvenience caused to tourists.
"For all those whose holiday was cut short as a result of wildfires, the Greek government, in co-operation with local authorities, will offer one week of free holidays on Rhodes, next spring, [and] the next fall, so that we make sure they (visitors) come back to the island and enjoy its natural beauty."
He said although Greece had experienced wildfires before, climate change had increased their intensity.
Tourism has been the main driver of the country’s economy since it emerged from its debt crisis in 2018, reports iol.co.za.
