RHODES: There were "lots of beds" for tourists escaping wildfires, says Rutland travel expert
Thousands of Brits have been relocated to emergency accommodation
"Lots and lots" of beds would've been available "across the island", for holidaymakers escaping unprecedented wildfires in Rhodes, according to a Rutland travel agent.
Greek authorities confirmed last weekend that nearly 20,000 people had been evacuated - the largest operation in response to wildfires the country has ever seen.
As of Monday 24th July, it was estimated 10,000 Brits were still on the island, with some having to seek refuge in sports centres or schools.
Alan Gorrell, from Rutland, who works in the Greek travel industry, said Rhodes' history as a holiday hotspot means there would've been lots of hotels to act as emergency accommodation:
'Rhodes is a very large holiday island with tourism that's been going about 50 years, so there's lots and lots of beds all over the island.'
'What would've happened is that there would've been a surplus of beds, but they would've been very quickly booked by big travel companies who needed to relocate their clients staying down in the areas that the fires were mainly affecting.'
'Taxis from all over the island would've headed down there to get them out of the area. Wildfires like these can hit everything - the wifi, the power. Even a heavy storm can cause that kind of disruption in Greece.'