Rhodes wildfires: Rights and protection for holidaymakers forced to flee hotels

Aug 02 2023 Travel trends

The recent devastating wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes have caused panic and chaos among thousands of holidaymakers who were forced to evacuate their hotels and seek safety elsewhere. Amid the chaos, many travelers are left wondering about their rights and protections in such unforeseen situations. In this article, we will explore the rights and entitlements of holidaymakers facing emergencies while abroad and the responsibilities of tour operators and hotel management in such circumstances.

Tour operators need to provide duty of care

Holidaymakers, regardless of their destination, have the right to expect a duty of care from tour operators and hotel management. This means ensuring their safety and well-being during their stay. In the event of an emergency, such as wildfires, the primary concern of tour operators and hotels should be the safety of their guests.

Evacuation procedures during Rhodes wildfires

During emergencies, tour operators and hotels are responsible for implementing efficient and safe evacuation procedures. This includes providing clear instructions to guests on how to evacuate the premises and where to seek safety. Guests should be informed of designated assembly points and emergency contact details.

If holidaymakers are evacuated from their hotels due to unforeseen circumstances like wildfires, tour operators and hotel management are obligated to provide alternative accommodation. This replacement accommodation should be of a similar or higher standard than the original booking.

Refunds and flight compensation

In situations where holidaymakers are forced to cut short their stay due to emergencies, they may be entitled to refunds for the unused portion of their holiday. Additionally, tour operators or hotels should compensate guests for any inconvenience or distress caused by the abrupt disruption to their travel plans.

Jet2 and TUIfly cancelled all flights and holidays to Rhodes for this week. EasyJet claims that services are still operating, but passengers should check the flight's status before travelling. British Airways is also operating flights as normal but monitoring the situation in Rhodes very closely. Ryanair says its flights are running normally and are unaffected by the forest fires - with a statement giving no indication of whether customers can change their booking. If your flight was affected, you can still check whether you are entitled for compensation and a ticket refund – simply type in your flight information at www.myflyright.com and we will check it for you.

Travel insurance coverage

Travel insurance is crucial for protecting holidaymakers from unexpected events, including natural disasters like wildfires. Travelers should ensure their insurance policy covers cancellation or curtailment due to unforeseen events. They should also check if it includes coverage for accommodation and additional expenses incurred during emergency situations.

During emergencies, effective communication is vital for reassuring holidaymakers and providing them with necessary support. Tour operators and hotels should keep guests informed about the situation, provide updates, and offer assistance as needed.

Holidaymakers affected by emergencies should promptly report the situation to their tour operator, hotel management, or travel insurance provider. Documentation and evidence of the situation, such as photographs or videos, may be helpful when making claims or seeking compensation later.