Rhodes ‘free vacation’ scheme: how does it work?

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In late July 2023, on the peak of the vacationer season within the Greek islands, wildfires swept throughout a part of the isle of Rhodes – triggering the evacuation of a minimum of 20,000 vacationers.

Inside days, the Greek prime minister promised individuals who had lower brief their journeys can be provided “one week of free holidays on Rhodes subsequent spring and subsequent fall”.

Particulars have lastly emerged of how the scheme will work – and, as anticipated, some vital phrases and situations utilized.

These are the main points.

Remind me what occurred?

Wildfires broke out within the mountainous centre of Rhodes within the second half of July 2023, and unfold to the east coast resorts – aided by winds, very excessive temperatures and dry situations.

1000’s of holidaymakers had been compelled to flee resorts on Saturday 22 July, with some British vacationers describing “terrifying” scenes of turmoil as energy cuts brought about “chaos” on the island.

The islanders did all they may to assist stranded vacationers. Many abroad guests had been positioned in emergency shelters arrange in faculties and different public buildings, and flown again early in an airlift. Greater than 20,000 vacationers had been flown residence early on evacuation flights

What did the Greek prime minister say, precisely?

Quickly afterwards Kyriakos Mitsotakis advised British tv viewers: “The island is completely again to regular.”

The prime minister stated: “For all of these whose holidays had been lower brief on account of the wildfires, the Greek authorities in cooperation with the native authorities will supply one week of free holidays on Rhodes subsequent spring and subsequent fall in order that we make it possible for they arrive again to the island and that they take pleasure in its pure magnificence.”

However particulars have been extraordinarily onerous to return by till this week, when the Greek authorities arrange an internet site telling travellers about “Rodos Week”. This isn’t a selected week, however entitlement to every week’s price of lodging.

Who qualifies?

“All grownup people, no matter nationality, who had been staying in lodges evacuated throughout the wildfires on the island of Rhodes in July 2023” are entitled to a voucher for lodging.

Individuals who ended holidays early might have already got been included within the “Registry of Beneficiaries” compiled by the tourism authorities in Rhodes. If not they will apply for inclusion. The declare will likely be checked towards lodge information.

What do they get – and the way do they e-book a free vacation?

A voucher for every week’s keep in roughly the identical customary of lodging similar to what they initially had.

These are awarded for every particular person on the unique journey – so a pair will get two vouchers between them, price a minimal of €600 (£512).

The place and when can the voucher be used?

At one of many taking part lodges provided on the redemption web site. The keep could be as much as 31 Could 2024 and from 1 October to fifteen November 2024. They won’t essentially be accepted for any date – for instance, many lodges are prone to be full throughout half-term week. However the Rhodes Lodges Affiliation ensures that they’ll cowl all requests by the tip of the second section.

What about flights?

They aren’t included – and neither are transfers from the airport to the lodge, journey insurance coverage.

If I can’t go, can I supply the voucher to another person?

No.

What about individuals who had been staying in an Airbnb or comparable rental lodging?

They aren’t lined; the scheme applies solely to registered lodge company.

Is the island totally open for tourism?

Sure. I went to Rhodes in late October to see how the island was recovering. In some areas on the east coast there have been small pockets of great injury, and inland, it was clear that wildfires have raged. Nevertheless it was under no circumstances “post-Apocalyptic” – and for the overwhelming majority of holidaymakers to Rhodes there will likely be no change. You possibly can anticipate to be as warmly welcomed as ever.

Has every other vacation spot carried out one thing like this?

Not that I’m conscious of. On the finish of the Covid pandemic, some nations provided vouchers to residents for holidays – a type of “get out to assist out” scheme. However within the aftermath of a pure catastrophe it’s unprecedented. Greece is closely depending on tourism, and the prime minister was eager to get forward of the issue – and persuade holidaymakers that they’d be capable to return with out a care.