Greece issues desperate plea to UK tourists and warns 'please inform us'

A Greek mayor has made an appeal to UK tourists after wildfire evacuations and fires swept through the European Union holiday hotspot. Holidaymakers were forced to flee their resorts after blazes broke out and airlines including Jet2 and easyJet issued advice.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a cabinet meeting noted that the upcoming summer season “is predicted to be particularly dangerous”. Kos Mayor Theodosis Nikitaras said feedback from holidaymakers who have since returned to the resort was ‘positive’ and there is no damage to the town.

“Nonetheless, please inform us if there are any concerns or problems with your clients, whether they are already on the island or not. We are here to support you and to ensure that both your clients already on the island will continue to enjoy their holidays and those planning to come in the coming days feel confident that they will have a wonderful summer vacation," he said.

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He said: “Yesterday, the village of Kardamaina [Kardamena], one of the most beautiful places on our island, had to be temporarily evacuated to ensure everyone’s safety due to a nearby fire. We fully understand that this interrupted the holidays and plans of many visitors."

He said: "However, thanks to the immediate mobilisation of the authorities, the citizens, and the effective operation of the firefighting mechanisms, we successfully followed our predetermined plans and kept everyone safe. The Municipality of Kos did everything possible to address and overcome the challenges promptly.

"The cooperation of local authorities, tourism businesses, citizens, and all visitors was exemplary. We made it through, and for that, we thank you.” Christos Efstratiou, deputy governor for the Dodecanese islands, said the intensity of the fire had eased by Tuesday morning, allowing some people to return to their homes and hotels.

More than 100 firefighters, helped by a helicopter, were still tackling the blaze on Tuesday to stop it flaring up again, officials said.