Greek tourism minister says Rhodes is safe amid ongoing wildfires

Greek tourism minister says Rhodes is safe amid ongoing wildfires

Minister Olga Kefalogianni said on Monday that those planning to head to Rhodes and Corfu should not cancel their plans.

“It’s particularly important to stress only a small part of the island of Rhodes is affected,” Kefalogianni told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“There has been no disruption in the airport.”

“It is the largest evacuation Greece has ever done and it happened in a matter of hours, but everyone is safe.”

She also said that reports stating up to 50 per cent of the island is on fire were inaccurate and that in reality, it is between 10 and 15 per cent.

The entirety of Greece is currently in the midst of a record heat wave, temperatures have exceeded 46 degrees Celsius in some areas.

“According to the data, we will probably go through 16-17 days of a heatwave, which has never happened before in our country,” research director, National Observatory (Greece), Kostas Lagouvardos, told ERT Television.

Australian website SmartTraveller recently updated its warning for Greece, advising, “Normal safety precautions,” the site read.

“Extreme temperatures are affecting many areas of Greece, and there are several active wildfires, including on the island of Rhodes.

“Other areas of Greece are under warnings of extreme fire danger, including areas around Athens and the Peloponnese. Monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.”


Featured Image: Rhodes Fires. (Source: Twitter – @ekathimerini)

Latest News

  • News
  • Tour Operators

CATO Touring Academy doubles achievements

The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) Touring Academy has surpassed all expectations, with over 1,000 enrolments, 11,000 course completions, and more than 600 agents earning their CATO Touring Certification since its mid-2024 launch. As the travel industry gears up for another dynamic year, the CATO Touring Academy is empowering travel professionals to elevate their […]

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours advises final call for Anzac Day 2025

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has advised that the final call for Anzac Day 2025 is on 31 January 2025 with pre-registration also available for Anzac Day 2026. Travellers are encouraged to book their spot for either the 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front departing on 19 April from Paris or the 8-day Anzac Day […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Two destinations to visit in Mexico for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and here are two romantic getaway destinations in Mexico to make any traveller’s day with their special someone even better. Casona Roma Norte, Mexico City This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit Mexico City, as the streets come alive with roses, heartfelt gifts, and the city basks in […]