Rhodes, Greece - In the wake of devastating wildfires that forced thousands of tourists to evacuate Rhodes in July 2023, the Greek government has launched a groundbreaking compensation scheme.
Under the program, affected tourists who were evacuated due to the fires can receive e-vouchers worth up to €500. These vouchers can be used to cover accommodation expenses for a week-long stay on Rhodes. An estimated 25,000 holidaymakers are eligible for the compensation, which aims to support them and revitalize the island's tourism sector.
The e-vouchers are valid during the island's shoulder seasons: from now until May 31st and from October 1st to November 15th. According to tourism officials, the program has already seen strong uptake, with over 5,000 future holidaymakers enrolling. Applications are expected to increase for the autumn dates.
This compensation scheme is the first of its kind globally. It emerged after months of deliberations and bureaucratic hurdles, as explained by Greek Tourism Ministry's General Secretary, Myron Flouris.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the scheme in August 2023 on the television program Good Morning Britain. The announcement came amidst the ongoing evacuation of tourists, primarily British nationals.
The innovative program is designed to provide relief to those affected by the fires and to encourage them to return to Rhodes, supporting the island's tourism industry and its recovery from the disaster.
