In a gesture of solidarity and support, Greece has announced a provision of complimentary hotel stays to travelers who endured the aftermath of last summer’s catastrophic fires on the island of Rhodes.
As per the Ministry of Tourism, travelers who found themselves displaced due to the wildfires in July 2023 and stayed in an evacuated hotel can now apply for a seven-day, six-night stay, free of charge. This initiative, unveiled by the Greek government, aims to assist affected tourists in their recovery process.
Applicants are required to plan their stay at a participating hotel between now and May 31, or from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15, offering them flexibility in choosing suitable dates for their visit.
Myron Flouris, the general secretary of the Greek tourism ministry, confirmed the implementation of the scheme, remarking, “It’s been a very complicated process not least, I think, because we’re the first country in the world to do this,” in an interview with the Guardian.
To avail themselves of this offer, travelers must submit an online application furnishing details of their lodging during the fires, including the room category, reservation number, and duration of their stay. Eligible applicants will be granted a week-long accommodation in a hotel of similar category and room type to their previous booking.
Compensation in the form of an e-voucher will be provided to participants based on the type of hotel and room, ranging from €300 to €500 per stay, depending on the star rating and room type.
The wildfires that ravaged Rhodes were ignited amidst an intense heatwave, necessitating the evacuation of both residents and tourists as flames engulfed the island, causing extensive damage, including to an inland nature reserve, as reported by The Associated Press.
Despite the challenges posed by the wildfires, Rhodes remains a captivating destination, boasting its renowned beaches, recreational activities such as boating, and the enchanting cobblestoned streets of the Jewish quarter, continuing to allure travelers to the largest of the Dodecanese islands.