Skiathos Mayor Thordoris Tzoumas insisted that the Greek island is ‘fully operational’ again today following severe flooding caused by Storm Daniel earlier this week.
UK tour operators have temporarily suspended flights to the island due to flood damage, with Jet2 not due to take clients back to Skiathos until 12 September.
But Mr Tzoumas said in an update on Thursday: “Things are looking much brighter today, and enormous efforts have been put into the clean-up process so far with huge progress already having been made with water and power fully restored, public transport up and running and roads fully accessible…we are operational and ready to welcome visitors to the island.”
Skiathos Hoteliers Association President Panos Andritsopoulos admitted Tuesday had been ‘a very difficult day’ with a curfew issued by police forbidding any unnecessary travel, but he added: “All damage caused from the flooding across the island is being dealt with and with the weather conditions having improved, the airport is fully functional with both departure sand incoming flights having resumed.
“A number of hotels across the island have had to deal with various issues from the flooding but our priority is that everyone is safe and all guests are being treated with warm Greek Hospitality. The island has suffered but is operational and is welcoming all guests.”
Hotelier Konstantinos Santikos, MD of Santikos Collection confirmed that its hotels that suffered flood damage are open and staff and guests are safe.
He added: “The extreme weather that hit the island of Skiathos on Tuesday has certainly tested our resilience and capabilities.
“Ensuring the safety of everyone on the island has been the utmost priority and work has started in earnest to ensure that flights can resume as quickly as possible with priority on repatriation flights and supporting those whose accommodation has been affected.
“The Aegean Suites, our adult only, all-suite hotel, set into the hillside, just outside Skiathos Town suffered some minor flooding in a small number of rooms which was rectified swiftly, and the property was quickly up and running with water and electricity with all guests and staff safe and well.
“The beach at the Princess Resort located in Agia Paraskevi bay suffered some damage from the severe flooding which is already being rectified and was required to run on generators for a short period until the electricity supply to the property was reconnected.
“The property is very much operational, with rooms thankfully being unaffected and the kitchens are up and running ensuring our guests are safe and fed.”