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.
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