Bild is giving away a week’s holiday in Rhodes to 50 of its readers. Deutsche Welle’s comment:

The German newspaper Bild has caught the pulse of its readers, perhaps even creating its own school of journalism. And she doesn’t even drool over material like advanced “pink videos” to satisfy her readership of mostly 50- to 59-year-old men. It is an age group of people who still work, drink a few beers with their buddies after work, pay (high) taxes and lightheartedly embrace campaigns, like the one Bild did during the financial crisis calling on the Greeks to “sell the islands” them along with the Acropolis” to repay the debts to the German taxpayers. These are the same islands that German tourists love, visit many times a year, and would not want to be destroyed by fires and natural disasters, let alone sold.

But Bild remains Bild and knows how to maneuver. This time he chose a different kind, style and level of campaign in favor of the Greek islands, and especially of the fire-stricken Rhodes. Under the title “Kalimera, Rhodos”, she raffled off 50 of her readers for a week on the island. “She escaped at the last minute, but life goes on, it must go on in Rhodes even if the shock of the fires has not subsided” it says in the accompanying text. “The mayor of Rhodes, Antonis Kambourakis, is advertising for tourists and hopes that you will give the beautiful island a chance or stay loyal”. The campaign could not be done without the support of TUI, the largest tour operator in world based in Berlin and Hannover. 500 of its flights a week are bound for Rhodes. The head of Sebastian Ebel visited the island to get an idea of ​​the scale of the devastation, and now TUI has given away 50 air tickets for a week free all inclusive .A last minute trip for the “early prepared.” The behavior of the Rodites seems to have played a decisive role and may set the school as a model for dealing with such situations when there are no fire plans.

“The last few days have shown how wonderful hosts the Greeks are in Rhodes and in the whole of Greece, we want to pass that on to others,” Ebel summed up his message. For the lucky ones, there is no time for extensive preparation. From Saturday 12.08 and for one week, they will enjoy free sun, sea, sky, sunsets and food away from the German “sadness” of the weather and the unliftable “pencil” of the sky. works” on behalf of Greek tourism. There are even many indications, mainly from northern Germany, that in moments of desperation many Germans make reservations for the island in order to fill up with “intangible” goods, those that even with millions they cannot replace. But what does Rhodes have to offer besides its natural beauties?

Here again we return to Bild. “Rhodes has so much to offer,” he points out. “Lindos, among others, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean and will amaze you when you visit the Acropolis. During our season (August) you can also spot thousands of Harlequin butterflies in Butterfly Valley on the west side. Or visit one of the many artistic treasures of Rhodes in the numerous monasteries and churches”. The luggage of the 50 lucky ones is ready, as are the TUIFly aircraft that will fly from Dusseldorf, Hanover, Frankfurt and Munich. Until Saturday is a few hours away. The photos of the hotels where the Germans will be staying take your breath away. With stylish swimming pools for young and old and direct access to the sandy beach. From the photos, we couldn’t tell if the “towel movement” had passed through here as well. , However, with their postings on the internet, the Germans applaud the initiative and hope that the movement against the “umbrella mafia” will succeed.

Those who are not among Bild’s 50 lucky ones, and there are many of them, are waiting for the realization of the promise by the Greek Prime Minister for a free week in Rhodes, for those who returned due to fires. According to the Kölner-Stadt Anzeiger, no one knows where to apply. “We are in contact with the Greek government to clarify the framework conditions for the German tour operators” says Aage Dinhaupt, TUI press representative. For example, it should be clarified whether the free holiday week should be spent in hotels pre-selected by the tour operators or there will be vouchers for a hotel of choice. The German Travel Association (DRV) has already contacted the Greek government without providing any more specific information. And the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center also advises citizens to wait and avoid asking travel agents for the time being.