Greece overtourism

Santorini experienced a drop in revenue in August amounting to €69.4 million compared to €71.1 million in August 2022

UK tabloids highlight PM Mitsotakis' plans to combat overtourism through a steep new tourist tax on popular destinations. Meanwhile, Germany warns that the move could drive their tourists to Spain and Italy.

Beyond the traditional 'stars' of Greek tourism, such as Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos and Santorini, other Greek islands' occupancy rates near 100%, like Naxos, Ios, Samos, Skopelos, Lipsi, Andros and Astypalia. Surprisingly, destinations accessible by car underperformed.

In July, 1.4 million passengers boarded ferries from Piraeus port, heading to Greece's picturesque islands

Bank of Greece data says increase in related revenue is due to higher numbers of visitors from EU-27 member-states

The warning was issued by a local councilman, who urged residents to stay put and limit their activities during the mass influx of cruise ships

Santorini Hoteliers Association President Antonis Pagonis told British media that, "we, as hoteliers of a welcoming island, say yes to any form of tourist activity, but obviously with limits."

However, Fitch Solutions highlights concerns about overtourism, cautioning that it could strain Greece's capacity to deliver quality services, potentially leading to neglect of popular destinations

Three Greek islands in the Cyclades are at risk of losing their unique character and local ways of life. To Vima spoke to experts and locals about what can be done before it’s too late