Greece Cracks Down on Excessive Tourism: Industry Leaders Voice Concerns
Greece Takes Action Against Excessive Tourism
Amid rising concerns over the impact of excessive tourism, Greece has announced plans to impose strict regulations on short-term holiday rentals and cruise ship traffic.
New Regulations on Tourism in Greece
With tourism contributing over 25% to Greece's GDP, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that the country must find a balance between economic growth and the preservation of its cultural and natural heritage.
- Up to €20 fee for cruise ship passengers visiting popular islands.
- One-year ban on new short-term rentals in parts of Athens.
- Climate crisis tax on hotel stays from April to October.
The measures come as Greece seeks to manage the rapidly growing number of visitors, which reached 36.1 million in 2023, a record for the country.
Concerns from Industry Leaders
Industry voices like George Koubenas and Andreas Chiou expressed fears that these regulations could jeopardize Greece's reputation as a welcoming destination and potentially harm the crucial tourism sector.
Politicians and experts emphasize the necessity for Greece to adopt a responsible approach in managing tourism while safeguarding local communities and the environment.
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.