Greek Prime Minister Announces Complimentary Stay for Evacuated Tourists in 2024: 'Rhodes is Back!'

Greece extends a generous offer to tourists whose vacations were disrupted by wildfires, providing them with a chance for a free getaway.

In July, parts of Rhodes island suffered from days of devastating fires that caused destruction to homes and hotels, resulting in the evacuation of thousands, including numerous tourists.

Around 20,000 people, including a considerable number of vacationers, were forced to flee the fires.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the challenges faced by these visitors due to the wildfires during an interview on August 2nd with ITV's Good Morning Britain.

"For all those whose vacations were cut short due to wildfires, the Greek government, in collaboration with local authorities, will be offering one week of free holidays on Rhodes next spring or fall. This way, we ensure they return to the island to relish its natural beauty," Mitsotakis stated.

While the exact details of this arrangement, including flight information, remain unclear, it is apparent that the peak summer season will be excluded from the offer.

Mitsotakis noted that although wildfires are not uncommon on Rhodes, their severity has increased due to climate change. He also praised the extraordinary hospitality of the people of Rhodes.

Around 2.6 million tourists visited Rhodes in the past year, making tourism a significant contributor to Greece's gross domestic product.

Is It Safe to Travel to Rhodes in Summer?

Tourism and government officials assure travelers that the South Aegean island of Rhodes is well-prepared to welcome visitors once again.

The Greek Tourism Ministry announced on a Monday that life on the island was returning to normal, stating, "Rhodes is back! We are delighted to announce that the state of emergency on the island of Rhodes has come to an end."

Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism expressed the eagerness of Greek residents and the state to continue offering their distinct hospitality to foreign visitors.

The Hotel Association of Rhodes confirmed that the island is now fully operational and hosting thousands of tourists daily. The goal is to have all accommodations reopen soon.

Moreover, an initiative was launched to return personal belongings to evacuated guests. Luggage will be returned at no cost if the hotel where they stayed is a member of this program.

George Hatzimarkos, the regional governor for the South Aegean region, emphasized that Rhodes is making a resilient comeback. He noted that ongoing restoration projects are limited and that tourism is quickly regaining its normal pace.

"We assure our visitors that they can confidently relish the exceptional travel experiences and genuine hospitality that splendid Rhodes offers as a world-class global tourism destination."