Travel Impacted by Fires in Greece

August 29, 2007

Travel Impacted by Fires in Greece
Aug. 29, 2007 –The U.S. State Department has issued a public announcement to U.S. citizens due to the wildfires in Greece. Massive fires have killed at least 64 people and blackened an area the size of Rhode Island, according to reports. The announcement, which expires Sept. 10, warns Americans thinking of traveling to Greece to be attentive to news reports, avoid the affected areas, and be prepared for road closures, detours, and strained public services.

According to Travel Agent magazine, the forest that surrounds Olympia was burned but the site of the first Olympic games has been spared. The magazine’s Web site also is reporting that some cruise lines have had to alter their schedules. Regent Seven Seas’ Navigator had to cancel a stop in Katakolon and replaced the call with Corfu. Crystal Cruises reported they were contacting their port agent and local operators to get more information and Carnival Cruise Lines and Holland America Line had not altered any itineraries.

The Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre reports that the majority of the forest fires are in the region surrounding Athens and in the Southwest region of the Peloponnese Peninsula. They say that their Greek ground operators who have informed the that tours are running normally, with the exception of the Olympia and the outskirts of Athens where some diversions may be required.