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Last year, the summer wildfires on the island of Rhodes led to the largest evacuation in the island’s history, significantly affecting holidaymakers, mainly British tourists. Many of them were forced to cut their plans short and leave the island. In response to these unpleasant events, the Greek government decided to offer compensation to affected visitors.
The officially organised programme offering a “free” holiday on Rhodes was set to start that week and run through the end of November. Under this initiative, up to 25,000 holidaymakers could use electronic vouchers worth up to €500 for a week’s stay in the island’s hotels.
Who it’s for: tourists whose 2023 Rhodes holidays were disrupted by wildfires.
What you get: electronic vouchers for hotel stays, up to €500.
Timing: described as running until the end of November (within the programme window announced).
Key restriction: hotel rooms only; private accommodation (e.g., Airbnb) is excluded.
Early demand: officials said more than 5,000 people had already registered.
How the compensation works
According to officials, the programme had already generated huge interest: more than 5,000 people registered to take part. Compensation depended on the original amount tourists had paid and ranged from €300 to €500, applicable only to hotel rooms and excluding private accommodation such as Airbnb.
Format: electronic vouchers for hotel accommodation on Rhodes.
Value: €300–€500, depending on the original amount paid.
Restriction: hotel rooms only; private rentals are excluded.
Climate risks and tourism resilience
Greece’s prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, emphasised the importance of precaution amid ongoing climate change, warning about a high risk of new wildfires and possible flooding in the future.
This humanitarian initiative not only helps affected travellers recover a lost holiday, but also signals Greece’s effort to support the resilience of the tourism sector, highlighting the environmental vulnerability of the Mediterranean region.
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1-day itinerary
The officially organised programme offering a “free” holiday on Rhodes was set to start that week and run through the end of November. Under this initiative, up to 25,000 holidaymakers could use electronic vouchers worth up to €500 for a week’s stay in the island’s hotels.
2-day itinerary
According to officials, the programme had already generated huge interest: more than 5,000 people registered to take part. Compensation depended on the original amount tourists had paid and ranged from €300 to €500, applicable only to hotel rooms and excluding private accommodation such as Airbnb.
How to get there / flights
Greece’s prime minister stressed the importance of precaution amid climate change, pointing to the risk of wildfires and possible flooding in the future.
Source
Source: theguardian.com
Date in the original text: 13.04.2024
FAQ: Rhodes holiday compensation
Who was the programme aimed at?
Tourists whose Rhodes holidays were disrupted by the 2023 wildfires.
What did the vouchers cover?
Hotel accommodation (hotel rooms), not other travel costs.
How much compensation was mentioned?
From €300 to €500, depending on how much the tourist originally paid.
How long was the stay?
A week of hotel accommodation on the island.
When was it scheduled to run?
It was described as starting that week and continuing until the end of November.
How many people could benefit?
Up to 25,000 holidaymakers, according to the text.
Could the voucher be used for Airbnb?
No. The text says it applies to hotels only and excludes private accommodation.
Was there strong interest from travellers?
Yes—more than 5,000 people reportedly registered early on.
Why did Greece introduce this initiative?
To compensate tourists affected by the Rhodes wildfires and evacuation in 2023.
How is climate change mentioned in the story?
The prime minister warned of risks of new wildfires and possible flooding in the future.
Does the programme support the tourism sector?
The text presents it as a way to strengthen tourism resilience while acknowledging environmental vulnerability.
Where is the original source linked?
In the “Source” section, via the link to The Guardian.
