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Greek Wildfires Force Evacuations of Tourists and Locals
Tour Operators Fly Home Holidaymakers as Wildfires Rage on Rhodes
Tour operators have started flying holidaymakers back home as wildfires continue to rage on the Greek island of Rhodes. Over the weekend, wildfires forced the evacuation of 19,000 people as the inferno reached the island's southeast coastal resorts. Tourists, many from the UK and Germany, spent the night on the airport floor, waiting for repatriation flights. Holiday company TUI's UK and Ireland arm brought three plane loads of passengers back to Britain from Rhodes, with plans to get everyone affected back as soon as possible.
Tour Operators Cancel Flights and Arrange Repatriation
Tour operators such as Jet2, TUI, and Corendon have canceled flights to Rhodes due to the ongoing wildfires. However, easyJet is operating repatriation flights from Rhodes to London's Gatwick airport and plans to add another flight on Tuesday. Ryanair's flights to and from Rhodes are operating as normal, with the airline letting people book onto earlier flights. Evacuations by sea are also underway on the island of Corfu, where 59 people have been taken off a beach.
Wildfires Threaten Almost Every Region of Greece
Greece is facing the threat of wildfires in practically every region of the country. The high temperatures, exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, combined with climate change have increased the risk of wildfires across southern Europe. Emergency services are also dealing with fires on the island of Evia, east of Athens, and Aigio, southwest of Athens. The situation remains challenging, with authorities working to contain the fires and ensure the safety of both locals and tourists.
Conclusion: Impact on New Businesses
With the recent wildfires in Greece forcing the evacuation of tourists and locals, the tourism industry has been severely affected. As tour operators scramble to fly holidaymakers back home and cancel future flights, the impact on new businesses in the region could be significant. Here is a "hot take" on how this topic may impact a new business:
1. Reduced Tourist Footfall: The wildfires have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among potential tourists. This could lead to a decrease in the number of visitors to Greece, affecting new businesses that rely on tourism as their main source of income. Hotels, restaurants, and tour companies may experience a decline in bookings and revenue, making it challenging for new businesses to establish themselves.
2. Disrupted Supply Chains: The ongoing wildfires and evacuations have disrupted transportation networks in affected regions. This can result in delays or cancellations of deliveries, affecting new businesses that rely on imported goods or materials. The inability to access necessary resources may hamper production or limit the availability of products and services, impacting a new business's ability to meet customer demand.
3. Uncertain Economic Outlook: The extensive wildfires and their impact on tourism may lead to an uncertain economic outlook for Greece. This can make it challenging for new businesses to secure financing, attract investors, or make long-term growth projections. Uncertainty can hinder business development and expansion, making it more difficult for new businesses to thrive in such an unpredictable environment.
In light of these challenges, new businesses in Greece should adapt their strategies to cope with the aftermath of the wildfires. This may involve diversifying revenue streams, exploring domestic markets, or investing in alternative industries that are less reliant on tourism. It is crucial for new businesses to remain resilient and innovative during these trying times to navigate the uncertainties and emerge stronger once the situation stabilizes.
Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/24/tourists-flown-home-as-wildfires-rage-on-greek-islands.html.svg)
