The Greek island of Rhodes is looking to entice tourists to return after it was damaged by devastating wildfires. In the wake of last year's catastrophic wildfires that swept through Greece, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis extended a compassionate offer to evacuees, granting them a week's free holiday in Rhodes for either spring or autumn of 2024. The offer has been extended so “we make sure they come back to the island and enjoy its natural beauty,” the Prime Minister said.
The evacuation was unprecedented in scale, with officials citing it as the largest in Greek history, involving 20,000 individuals, tourists included, who needed to flee from the quick-spreading infernos. Tourism is a cornerstone of the Greek economy, with Rhodes alone drawing approximately 2.6 million visitors last year, contributing significantly to the nation's GDP.
Relying heavily on holidaymakers, the island wants visitors to know that it is ready to welcome them back once again. READ MORE: Tropical paradise with 'white beaches and wild horses' has tourists 'gasping' at beauty Visitors who were on the evacuation lists have been offered an e-voucher towards a stay in a hotel similar to their previous accommodation (which must be participating in the scheme) during the fires. Depending on the category, tourists could receive between 300 and 500 Euros (£426) for their entire stay.
Over the last year, locals have been striving to revitalise the island to ensure it remains a desirable destination f.