Rhodes response 'an embodiment of Greece's spirit and resilience'
James ChappleGreece’s tourism chiefs have hailed the country’s response to the wildfire crisis in Rhodes as an embodiment of the country’s spirit and resilience after nearly 20,000 tourists were safely evacuated to northern areas of the island.
Eleni Skarveli, director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), said the effort – which spanned government, civil and civilian endeavours – constituted the single largest preventative evacuation operation in Greek history, with tourists buses, private boats. merchant ships, coastguard vessels and private vehicles all answering the call.
Skarveli praised government authorities, local officials, first responders, suppliers, volunteers and the citizens of Rhodes for their role in the evacuation effort, which she said was carried out with vigilance and efficiency, and resulted in no reports of harm.
"The collaboration and solidarity exhibited during this challenging time exemplify the spirit and resilience that Greece embodies," said Skarveli, after more than 19,000 tourists were safely evacuated from southern parts of the island worst affected by the wildfires, predominantly Gennadi and Kiotari.
Skarveli confirmed the fires had impacted around 10% of the island, and that out of the approximately 75 hotels in affected areas, only three had suffered partial damage.
Greece’s minister of tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, has visited the island to meet officials and tourism agencies, and inspect the temporary facilities set up for displaced holidaymakers. "Greece wants to send a clear message of safety abroad, as the safety of visitors is paramount, and Greece is capable of handling major crises," said the minister.
’Heartwarming solidarity’
Sports facilities, hotel conference rooms, public and private schools, and private residences were all put up to offer evacuees refuge, with temporary shelters equipped with food, water, clothing and hygiene items, while pharmacies and shops opened to provide additional support on Sunday (23 July) at the height of the evacuation.
"This display of solidarity and hospitality was especially heartwarming during the peak of the tourist season," said Skarveli.
Greece’s ministry of tourism and its regional office set up a 16-hour help desk to address tourists’ concerns and those of their families, while the South Aegean Region created a platform to help allocate available rooms.
As of Monday (24 July), around 90% of evacuated tourists had left temporary accommodation to continue their breaks at their original hotel, at a different hotel, or to return home. Skarveli added that by Tuesday (25 July) it was estimated no one would remain in temporary accommodation.
Rhodes International airport, she said, was fully operational, handling both scheduled flights and additional repatriation services, with major travel firms supporting people in getting home.
Britain’s major operators to Rhodes, including Jet2holidays, Tui and easyJet holidays, have suspended holiday operations to the island until the end of the week.
Skarveli said operators had postponed operations until Saturday 29 July, adding there was a possibility of extending this further "if required".
James Chapple
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