THOUSANDS of Brits who fled wildfires in Rhodes last July have been offered a free seven-night stay this year.
Terrified holidaymakers had to be repatriated on mercy flights.
AFPBrits who fled wildfires in Rhodes last July have been offered a free seven-night stay[/caption]
But from today they can enjoy free sunshine breaks after the Greek government agreed a £4million giveaway.
The trips are for those whose names were passed to Greek officials by hoteliers.
Week-long stays are available now until May 31 and again from October 1 to November 15.
Some people have already received an email about the deal.
Last night Helen Tonks, who spent two nights in an evacuation centre, said: “I’ve got no idea how it works but if we could go we would.”
Jess Bailey, who was also evacuated, said: “I haven’t heard the specifics of the scheme but I would love to go back to Rhodes in different circumstances.
“What I went through as a tourist was nothing compared to what the people of Rhodes endured.
“I just hope that the island its residents and wildlife have managed to recover.
“In the short time I was there I was bowled over by the kindness people of Rhodes showed us.”
Yannis Papavasiliou, president of the Union of Hoteliers in Rhodes, told The Sun: “Around 3,000 have so far responded to the offer.
“But once word gets around we have been told to expect a much bigger number in October.
“Most were here with tour operators and they will be reimbursed along the lines of the package they had booked.
“If it was all-inclusive, then it will be all-inclusive now.”
One top tourism official said: “We can’t wait to have our British friends back.”