17 hours ago
Glasgow holidaymakers issued 'high risk' warning for summer
Experts have warned tourists heading to Spain, Greece, or Turkey to be aware of devastating wildfires which have the chance to spread to holiday resorts.
The warnings come as the popular holiday destinations enter wildfire season, raising concerns about safety and travel disruption.
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A BBC Morning Live pundit raised the alarm, claiming a "twin threat" could endanger UK tourists.
Travel expert Ash Bhardwaj said: "We're entering wildfire season, which peaks in July and August, and some of these places are seeing temperatures that peak at over 50 degrees Celsius.
"As a place gets drier and hotter, you're more likely to get wildfires. Over the last five years, 13 per cent of travel insurance claims have been evacuations or related to natural disasters, so this is something that can affect your travel."
Spanish authorities have already issued a pre-alert for forest fires in the Canary Islands, citing "medium to high risk" conditions due to ongoing heat and dry weather.
In a statement, the regional government said: "Given the current climatic, meteorological, and environmental circumstances, having passed the usual period of precipitation in the Canary Islands and, as established in section 2.10 of the INFOCA.
"It is estimated that the conditions are in place to declare a Pre-Alert Situation due to this being a period of medium to high risk of forest fires."
The warning comes amid growing unrest in Spain over tourism.
READ MORE: Glasgow travellers face summer chaos amid strikes in Spain
The Glasgow Times recently reported that anti-tourist demonstrations and the threat of strike action have raised further concerns for holidaymakers.
A series of planned walkouts could affect travellers in July and August if no agreement is reached between hotel workers and employers.
The strikes are being organised by a major tourism union in the Canary Islands, with action set to begin on July 4 if talks fail.
The proposed strikes would take place every Friday throughout July and August, with union leaders warning of major disruption for holidaymakers.
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The action will be confirmed or called off on June 16.
Juan Pablo González, manager of the local employers' association, said he remains "moderately optimistic" about reaching a resolution.
He said all discussions must remain at the negotiating table.
