**TUI Issues Urgent Advisory Following Major Earthquake Felt Across Greece and Turkey**
British travel company TUI has issued an urgent notification to customers holidaying in Greece after a powerful earthquake struck near the popular tourist island of Rhodes during the early hours of Tuesday morning. The seismic event, measured at 6.2 on the Richter scale, was recorded just after midnight at around 12.30am local time. Its epicentre lay off the coast of Rhodes, causing noticeable tremors across the island and raising alarm among both visitors and residents.
The quake’s impact was vividly felt in tourist hotspots, with numerous reports surfacing of hotels trembling and swaying. One holidaymaker took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share their unsettling experience, writing: “Woke us up — the hotel room shook violently while we were on holiday in Rhodes. Never felt an earthquake before, so it was a little concerning.” Other tourists echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how the unexpected event disrupted their sleep and left many feeling anxious about the possibility of aftershocks.
In a swift response, TUI reached out to its customers with precautionary information and reassurance. An official message, circulated to British tourists staying in Rhodes, stated: “Dear Guests. We would like to inform you that an earthquake occurred at 02.17am with a magnitude of 6.6 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was located approximately 18 kilometres from Rhodes, at a depth of 68 kilometres (42 miles). Local authorities are currently assessing the situation. At this time, there are no reports of significant damage or injuries.”
The company’s update further urged guests to remain composed and to carefully follow any safety guidance offered by their accommodations or local officials. TUI assured holidaymakers that their wellbeing was the highest priority: “Should any specific action be required on your part, rest assured that we will contact you directly with further guidance. Your safety and well-being are our top priority.”
The tremors were not confined to Greece alone. In a related development, a second earthquake struck the Turkish coastal town of Marmaris at 2.17am, tragically resulting in the reported death of a 14-year-old girl and injuries to at least 69 others. Both regions are renowned for their scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, drawing millions of tourists from the UK and beyond each year for their beaches, historical sites, and vibrant local life.
The scale and scope of structural damage on both Rhodes and Marmaris remain unclear at this stage, as local authorities continue to conduct evaluations. There has as yet been no official statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advising against travel to these regions. The FCDO regularly reviews safety guidance for British nationals travelling overseas, and updates are expected should the situation escalate or if risks for tourists increase.
Rhodes, in particular, is celebrated for its blend of sun-soaked beaches, ancient ruins, and the UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town, making it a high-demand destination during the summer months. TUI operates flights from more than 20 UK airports to over 100 destinations, and its inclusive holiday packages contribute significantly to its popularity amongst British families and travellers.
Industry observers note that the rapid communication from TUI following the earthquake demonstrates the importance of clear contingency planning in the travel sector. As natural phenomena can impact tourist hotspots without warning, robust protocols are key in both keeping holidaymakers safe and maintaining public trust. Experts suggest that other travel operators may look to TUI’s example in issuing transparent, timely updates during emergencies.
Holidaymakers currently in Greece and Turkey are being advised to stay alert to further updates from their travel operators and to monitor local announcements. As recovery efforts and safety inspections progress, tourists and locals alike remain hopeful that further disruptions will be minimal and that the summer holiday season will continue as planned.
Travel industry stakeholders and international authorities are expected to issue follow-up statements as more information becomes available regarding the impact of the earthquakes. Travellers planning upcoming trips to the region are encouraged to consult official government channels and their tour operators for the latest advice.