Holidaymakers anxious about Crete wildfires advised not to cancel trips

Holidaymakers concerned about wildfires in Crete should not cancel their holidays, consumer group Which? has advised.

A statement was issued after hundreds of residents and tourists were evacuated in the Rethymno region, although Greek tourism minister Olga Kefalogianni said on Thursday that they were returning to their accommodations to continue with their holidays.

More than 200 firefighters with dozens of fire engines and water-carrying aircraft battled two wildfires ​on the island, where agricultural crops and olive groves were destroyed ​and warehouses and a few houses were damaged, Reuters reported.

Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said: "The wildfires in Crete are deeply worrying, and the dangers posed by their spread will be a major concern for both locals and holidaymakers, as well as a serious blow to local businesses reliant on tourism. Anyone currently in the affected region should follow the advice of local authorities. 

"Those with upcoming holidays to Crete will be understandably anxious about what this means for their plans. 

“It’s essential, however, that travellers don’t cancel their trips, especially those not due to travel for the next week or two. 

“Travellers who cancel now will likely forfeit the right to a refund or rebooking, and you’re unlikely to be able to claim on travel insurance, as the FCDO has not warned against travel to the affected regions.

"Where possible, holidaymakers should wait until closer to their departure date to see if their holiday can go ahead or what flexible booking options may be offered by their tour operator or airline. Travel companies will be prioritising anyone due to depart in the next couple of days."

Meanwhile, firefighters are reported to have contained large wildfires that had threatened Bordeaux in France and the Spanish capital of Madrid amid high temperatures. 

However, the European Union’s crisis management team said on Wednesday it expected difficult weeks ahead, fearing a further outbreak of wildfires in Italy and Greece later in the summer.