ATHENS, Greece: The Greek island of Rhodes, which is known for its beaches and ancient sites, is still recovering after 11 days of devastating wildfires in July. Following thousands of people being evacuated during the height of the travel season, Rhodes is now reflecting on how the crisis will affect its vital tourism sector, which accounts for most of its economy and some 20 percent of the entire Greek economy. Other Mediterranean destinations, such as Italy and Spain, also saw their tourism sectors hit hard by heat waves and wildfires this summer. According to European Union (EU) estimates, Greece, Italy, Algeria and Tunisia lost more than 1,350 square kilometers (520 square miles) to fires that affected 120,000 people in late July. Greece is expecting further extreme heat in the coming days. However, Rosa Mara Lopez, mayor of Villardeciervos in northwestern Spain, which was ravaged by fires last summer, said hikers are still coming to the area. "Tourism is bound to s...
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