The Greek government has started bringing holidaymakers back into the country free of charge. The campaign was launched due to the fires in 2023. Here’s how it works.
In order to boost tourism in Greece again, the government is launching a remarkable campaign. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has launched an unprecedented recovery program for wildfire victims.
Up to 25,000 “free” holidays on the island of Rhodes could be available this year for people who were evacuated from there last year. These include German holidaymakers who traveled to the popular island during the period.
The initiative, called “Rhodes Week,” is a direct response to the devastating forest fires that raged in Rhodes last year, forcing thousands of tourists to evacuate. According to “Reisereporter”, this offer is available to all adults who were staying in the affected hotels at the time of the fires. Regardless of nationality, they can apply for a voucher for accommodation on the island of up to 500 euros.
The vouchers are valid for two periods this year: until May 31st and from October 1st to November 15th. Last year around 25,000 tourists had to be evacuated. More than 5,000 tourists have already registered for the program, according to Prime Minister Mitsotakis. This is reported by the “Sun”.
Yannis Papavasiliou, head of the Rhodes Hoteliers’ Union, was quoted by The Sun as saying: “Anyone who has stayed overnight in the areas affected by the fires is eligible.” According to Papavasiliou, the response to the program has been very good and is expected in the autumn an even greater demand.
Greek newspaper Kathimerini reports that eligible travelers will be able to enjoy a seven-day stay in Rhodes. This extraordinary offer is to be financed by a four million euro emergency program from the Greek government. Those interested can book the free holiday promptly via the Greek government website.
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