Greece offers free holiday program to around 25,000 tourists

Greece announces a novel holiday compensation scheme for tourists evacuated from the 2023 Rhodes wildfires, covering up to $535 in accommodation costs

Greece has initiated a pioneering compensation scheme for tourists who experienced the disruptive 2023 Rhodes wildfires.

This unique program was launched 9 months after the fires devastated Rhodes and aims to offer “free” holidays to around 25,000 affected tourists, primarily from Britain.

The Greek tourism ministry’s general secretary, Myron Flouris, affirmed the launch of this world-first initiative. “The scheme is up and running as the prime minister promised,” Flouris stated.

He emphasized the complexity of implementing such a program – a global first.

Eligible tourists, those who were staying in hotels evacuated due to the July wildfires, can claim e-vouchers. These vouchers, worth up to $535, will cover accommodation for a week.

Yannis Papavasiliou, leading the island’s union of hoteliers, noted the enthusiastic response, with more than 5,000 holidaymakers already signed up.

The compensation will mirror the amount initially paid to tour operators, between $320 to $535, applicable only for hotel stays.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the impact of climate change and the Mediterranean’s vulnerability to such emergencies during a visit to Rhodes.

“All of the Mediterranean is a hotspot for climate change. That, statistically, means we will have more fires and probably more floods,” he explained.

Mitsotakis praised the evacuation process, which safely relocated 25,000 visitors without the loss of human life.

British tourists, significantly affected by the fires, are keen to avail the offer. U.K. resident Sara van Oostrum, reflecting on her family’s evacuation ordeal, shared: “We thought at the time our daughter was dealing well, but on reflection, children are funny things… she doesn’t want to return.”

Despite some hesitation, van Oostrum plans to take advantage of the offer, considering spending money on the island during her stay.

Tour operators TUI and Thomas Cook advise tourists to contact the Greek government directly to redeem the vouchers.

Source: Newsroom