Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre told The Mole today that they joined with all Australian operators of tours to Greece in expressing their deep sympathy and support to the Greek people, especially those in the Peloponnese Peninsula, who have undergone the terrible ordeal of forest fires which have caused death and destruction to this normally beautiful region of the Greek mainland and in forests surrounding Athens.
They also provided a satellite photo, which clearly shows the majority of forest fires have occurred in the region surrounding Athens (see top right hand corner) and in the SW region of the Peloponnese Peninsula.
As has been widely reported, the historic town of Olympia was threatened but fire fighters succeeded in saving the archaeological sites.
GMTC says that in response to enquiries they have received from agents and some of their clients, they have checked with our Greek ground operators who have informed them that GMTC tours are running normally, with the exception of the Olympia and the outskirts of Athens where some diversions may be required.
The more popular Greek islands including Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos and Santorini where most Australians visit have been largely unaffected by the fires.
GMTC is keeping a close watch on the situation and will ensure that current and prospective clients are kept up to date.
They hope the Greek government will provide a more detailed assessment of the situation as it affects tourists in due course.
Report by The Mole
