A framework of actions and initiatives to support the future of tourism in the fire-stricken regions of Rhodes, following the destructive fires, was decided in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Maximos Mansion on Friday. The meeting involved ministers, representatives of local government and the tourism sector and focused on supporting the residents and businesses of the island and on work to restore the affected regions, as well as the promotion of the island’s tourist product.
With no active fronts burning on the island and the operational state of emergency effectively ended, the following lines of action were decided:
1. Immediate support via state mechanisms for residents and stricken businesses, with six buildings now considered condemned and 39 having less serious damage.
2. Immediate action by the regional and municipal authorities to restore road networks and the coast.
3. A positive campaign to promote Rhodes in its chief markets of interest.
According to government sources, steps have already been taken so that tourist units that are ready to receive visitors again will start to operate, while civil protection support services have already started to record damage in order to pay compensation.
A detailed presentation of the actions decided will be made next week, the sources said, while noting that Rhodes has a strong brand abroad and that the government’s swift response and the attitude of residents and volunteers had reinforced this further.
The meeting included Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of State Akis Skertsos and Deputy Tourism Minister Elena Rapti, among others.
SOURCE; ANA-MPA
