Rhodes has been struggling to recover after a series of devastating wildfires last year Rhodes has seen a decline in tourists in recent months after the devastating wildfires ravaged the island. Last year, in the wake of catastrophic wildfires that scorched vast expanses of Greece, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis extended an offer to the evacuated residents for one week of complimentary holidays on Rhodes. This gracious offer, available for spring or autumn of 2024, was to ensure "we make sure they come back to the island and enjoy its natural beauty," he stated at the time.
The unprecedented evacuation of 20,000 people, which included both locals and tourists, highlighted the severity of the disaster, making it the largest in Greece's history. By inviting Brist back to Rhodes for a complimentary stay, the Greek government hopes to reinforce the island's image as a safe and attractive destination. Tourism is crucial for Greece's economy, with Rhodes alone welcoming about 2.
6 million visitors last year. READ MORE: Holidaymakers warned of new swimming pool restrictions in Spain this summer Those on the evacuation lists have been offered an e-voucher to use towards a stay in a hotel similar to the one they stayed in during the fires, provided it is participating in the scheme. 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 restore the island to ensure it continues to be a desirable destination for tourists. Rhodes boasts several sites of significant historical and archaeological interest, including the ancient city of Kamiros, the Acropolis of Lindos and the medieval Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, boasting diverse landscapes from valleys and hills to sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
One of the highlights is the Valley of the Butterflies (also known as Petaloudes Valley), which becomes a spectacle of multi-coloured butterflies from June to September. The site also houses a quaint Natural History Museum, a short drive from Theologos Village, making it a popular stop on island tours. Rhodes saw approximately 2.
6 million visitors last year. Tourism is a critical element of the Greek economy, contributing significantly to the nation's GDP. Emerging figures from ELSTAT, the Hellenic Statistical Authority, indicate a growing economic disparity between popular tourist spots and other regions in Greece, reports the Express .
In particular, nearly one-fifth of the total turnover, 18.3 per cent, hails from the Southern Aegean, with Rhodes itself making up 6.5 per cent of the national turnover.
In the Ionian Islands, the turnover hit an impressive 1.4 billion Euros (£1.19bn), with Corfu contributing half of this figure alone.
In sharp contrast, Central Greece, despite being over 5,000 times the size of the combined Ionian Islands, only managed a turnover of 383 million Euros (£326m). The idyllic town of Lindos has been named by World Wild Schooling as one of the 12 locations in the Greek Islands that is being overrun by tourism. Once a tranquil fishing village, the influx of tourists from cruise ships docking in Rhodes threatens to spoil the charm of Lindos with its narrow lanes and white buildings.
Despite the rich history, breathtaking landscapes and lively culture of Rhodes, many holidaymakers, especially those from the UK, are opting for other parts of Greece. As a result, The Rodos Week initiative was launched in an urgent attempt to boost the island's tourism industry..
