TOUR operators are stepping up security in Faliraki
following a spate of sexual attacks on holiday reps in the Rhodes resort.
Worried operators have handed out rape alarms to reps
and meetings have taken place with the Federation of Tour Operators about
improving lighting in dimly lit areas and deploying private security guards in
main resort areas.
Authorities on the island – thrust into the limelight
by ITV’s infamous Club Reps – have also increased police numbers and launched a
24-hour police station.
The move comes after a holiday rep was attacked and
raped. Two other reps were also badly beaten in a separate attempted rape on
the island.
The rape victim has accused operators of covering up
five other rapes on the island this year, a claim denied by the FTO.
A spokesman said: “I refute strongly the claims that
any FTO member would cover up any incident of this seriousness.
“We take these things extremely seriously and liaise
with clients, the police, reps and the Foreign Office.”
Club 18-30, JMC, Thomson and MyTravel have all stepped
up safety briefings for staff, and several operators have laid on extra
transport for reps.
A Club 18-30 spokesman said: “We have taken measures
to advise both our club reps and our customers to improve their safety.
“We have told them not to go out at night alone and
not to walk through poorly lit areas. This incident is not pleasant and
obviously we don’t want
it repeated.”
Police on the island have launched a manhunt for the
rapist and a number of suspects have already been arrested. They are keen to
prevent
a repeat of last year when five women were raped, and
also to maintain the island’s popularity with tourists.
Operators said bookings have not dropped off since the
incident.