Firefighters throughout Greece and across its islands dealt with more than 50 wildfires during a 24-hour period at the weekend and into Monday (1 July), including incidents on Kos and Chios, and near Greece’s capital Athens.
A precautionary evacuation order for Kardamaina was enforced by local authorities in Kos, triggering responses from all three of the UK’s major operators – Jet2holidays, Tui and easyJet holidays.
Jet2holidays, Tui and easyJet holidays all confirmed to TTG on Tuesday (2 July) they had assisted clients with transport back to their hotels after they were evacuated and that they had been given the all clear to continue with their holidays as normal.
’Sincere gratitude’
Mayor of Kos, Theodosis Nikitaras, confirmed the evacuation order had been lifted and life in Kardamaina "is already continuing as normal". "There are no damages to either the village or the accommodations," he said in a statement shared with TTG addressing the travel trade.
"We fully understand this interrupted the holidays and plans of many visitors. However, thanks to the immediate mobilisation of the authorities, citizens, and the effective operation of the firefighting mechanisms, we successfully followed our pre-determined plans and kept everyone safe.
"The cooperation of local authorities, tourism businesses, citizens and all visitors was exemplary. We made it through, and for that, we thank you. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the tourism professionals, volunteers, and all the residents of Kos for their dedication and support during this critical period."
Nikitaras also paid tribute to the island’s firefighters, military, security and civil protection personnel, and the island’s volunteers for their interventions. "Together, we prove every day that Kos is not only a beloved tourist destination but also an island of solidarity and strength."
The mayor urged the trade to continue supporting Kos, and to step up its efforts in the aftermath of the fire to champion the island. "Let’s continue promoting our island together," he said.
"Please inform us if there are any concerns or problems with your clients, whether they are already on the island or not. We are here to support you and to ensure both your clients already on the island will continue to enjoy their holidays and those planning to come in the coming days feel confident that they will have a wonderful holiday."
Jet2holidays, Tui and easyJet holidays have all confirmed their flights and holiday programmes to Kos are going ahead as scheduled under normal booking terms and conditions.
Here is the latest from the UK’s three main operators.
