Hotel owners on the Greek island of Rhodes are facing significant cancellations due to the ongoing wildfires, with some establishments reporting a 40% decrease in bookings.
As tourists continue to express fear and uncertainty, the affected businesses have decided to lower their prices by 40% in a desperate attempt to encourage visitors to return and assure them of their safety.
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Wildfires cause mass cancellations and economic hardship
The summer 2023 wildfires ravaging Rhodes have led to a surge of cancellations from anxious tourists, causing a severe economic impact on the island’s hospitality industry.
Stavroula Nikolou, the owner of Aquarius Beach Hotel in Faliraki, reports that her hotel has experienced a drop of at least 30% in bookings, with cancellations stretching into September.
Many hotels are facing similar challenges, with some witnessing a worrying 40% decrease in reservations.
Businesses rally to ensure visitors’ safety
Despite the challenges posed by the wildfires, hotel owners and businesses on Rhodes are doing everything in their power to reassure tourists about their safety.
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By GlobalDataStavroula Nikolou emphasises that the affected areas are primarily in the south, while many parts of the island remain safe and fully operational.
To cope with power outages caused by the fires damaging electricity substations, hotels are resorting to back-up generators, ensuring that essential services are not disrupted.
Hoteliers plead – don’t let this kill tourism
Rhodes heavily relies on tourism, with 8% of the island’s economy depending on the industry.
As the wildfires create uncertainty and fear, hotel owners such as Peter Manias of Falirala Central Hotel and Eat Greek restaurant in Faliraki are expressing their concern over the devastating impact on their businesses and local communities.
They urge British tourists to continue visiting the island, highlighting the importance of the summer season in securing income to sustain businesses during the quieter winter months.
The hospitality community on Rhodes, known for its warm welcome, is calling on British tourists not to abandon their island during this challenging time.
