Rhodes, once a favored destination for tourists to the extent that residents often wished for their absence, has suffered significantly due to wildfires.

In a bid to facilitate recovery from the devastation experienced in 2023, the Greek government is now providing complimentary holidays on the island. Following the catastrophic wildfires that ravaged large areas of Greece last year, evacuees are being offered the opportunity to return to Rhodes for a free one-week vacation, sponsored by the Greek authorities.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced that this offer will be available for either the spring or autumn of 2024, emphasizing the intention to “ensure they return to the island and appreciate its natural beauty.”

The once-idyllic tourist destination was thrown into chaos as the fires blazed. An unprecedented evacuation effort saw 20,000 individuals, including numerous visitors, flee from what officials have described as the largest wildfire in the nation’s history.

Tourism plays a vital role in Greece’s economy, with Rhodes being a key player, attracting approximately 2.6 million tourists in the previous year. The country faces challenges related to the contrast between regions that benefit from tourism and those that do not, leading to discussions about the industry's effects and sustainability, as reported by Bristol Live.

The Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) has disclosed that one-fifth of Greece’s accommodation and catering revenue, amounting to 18.3 percent, is generated in the Southern Aegean region, with Rhodes contributing 6.5 percent to the national total. The Ionian Islands collectively generated an impressive 1.4 billion Euros (£1.19bn), with Corfu alone accounting for half of this revenue.

In stark contrast, Central Greece, which is 5,000 times larger than the combined area of the Ionian Islands, managed to generate only 383 million Euros (£326m). Rhodes, a favored port of call for cruise ships and renowned for its tourist influx, is also home to the charming town of Lindos.

Once a serene fishing village, Lindos now frequently draws large crowds of tourists with its narrow streets and whitewashed structures, jeopardizing the very relaxed atmosphere that initially contributed to the town's appeal.

In spite of Rhodes' abundant history, breathtaking landscapes, and lively culture, a significant number of tourists, especially from the UK, have recently opted to vacation in other parts of the country. Consequently, the Rodos Week initiative was introduced as a crucial effort to revitalize the island's tourism industry.

All vacationers listed for evacuation have been provided with an e-voucher to help cover the expenses of a hotel stay comparable to their previous accommodations (which have consented to participate) during the wildfires. Depending on the category, tourists may receive between 300 and 500 Euros (£426) for their lodging.

The local community has been diligently working to restore the island, aiming to ensure its continued appeal to tourists while relegating the traumatic wildfires to a distant memory. The Greek government is also eager to highlight the island's celebrated beauty to visitors through the e-voucher program.