Rhodes, once overwhelmed with tourists, is now fighting to bring them back after devastating wildfires. In a dramatic turn of events following 2023's catastrophic blazes across Greece, those evacuated from Rhodes are being offered one week's free holiday on the island by the Greek government. In an attempt to aid the recovery of the region, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has extended an offer for complimentary trips in either the spring or autumn of 2024, stating this was so "we make sure they come back to the island and enjoy its natural beauty".
The picturesque tourist destination became a scene of turmoil as it battled against the flames. Last year, a staggering 20,000 individuals, including a multitude of holidaymakers, were compelled to escape the infernos in what was declared the largest evacuation ever witnessed by the nation at that time. Tourism significantly bolsters Greece's economy, with Rhodes playing a crucial role, attracting approximately 2.
6 million tourists last year alone. As tourism can create a widening economic disparity between regions, it remains a subject of intricate debate amidst concerns about environmental and infrastructural strain. Data from The Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) reveals that a significant 18.
3 percent of Greece's accommodation and catering turnover is generated in the Southern Aegean region, with Rhodes alone contributing to 6.5 percent of the country's total. A whopping 1.
4 billion Euros (£1.19bn) was made in t.