Greek Prime Minister Addresses Overtourism and Short-Term Rentals Amid Record Visitors

Saturday, 7 September 2024, 13:57

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is taking action against overtourism and short-term rentals as record visitors flood the nation post-pandemic. New measures, including a tax increase and a temporary ban on new short-term leases, aim to curb the negative effects of tourism while supporting local economies. Over 36 million tourists visited Greece in 2023, raising concern about the sustainability of its tourism sector.
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Greek Prime Minister Addresses Overtourism and Short-Term Rentals Amid Record Visitors

Greek Prime Minister's Initiative Against Overtourism

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced crucial measures aimed at tackling the challenges posed by overtourism. With a staggering 36.1 million visitors recorded in 2023, Greece faces significant pressure to maintain its tourism sector sustainably. During his address at the Thessaloniki International Fair, Mitsotakis emphasized the government’s growing concern over cruise ship influx and its impact on local communities.

Key Measures Introduced

  • Implementation of new fees for cruise passengers at Greek ports, particularly in crowded destinations like Santorini and Mykonos.
  • Expansion of the Golden Visa program for investors supporting local startups.
  • Increase in lodging taxes from April to October to benefit local infrastructure.
  • Temporary ban on new short-term rentals in key areas of Athens.

Impact on the Tourism Sector

Tourism contributes around 20% to Greece's economy, making it a focal point for fiscal growth. The government intends to prioritize fiscal discipline as Greece aims for a budget primary surplus of 2.1% of GDP by 2025.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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