If reports are to go by, Greece is introducing new measures to tackle the growing issue of overtourism. These measures include fees for cruise passengers arriving at Greek ports, with higher charges for those visiting the most crowded islands. Greece has seen a record number of visitors this year. Last year, the country welcomed 36.1 million tourists, and by the first half of this year, the numbers surged by 16 percent.
Popular tourist destinations like Santorini and Mykonos have received the highest number of visitors. With so many daily tourists, especially during the peak months, these islands are undoubtedly experiencing significant negative impacts on infrastructure and the environment.
Also, the high season’s lodging tax will increase from April to October. The revenue from this will benefit the local communities affected by over-tourism.
By 2025, the country also plans to restrict the number of cruise ships allowed to dock at popular islands like Santorini. It is expected that a move like this would help alleviate the strain that’s currently being felt on local infrastructure.
Greece is also planning to expand its Golden Visa program to include investors who are willing to commit at least Eur 250,000 to local startups. Before this, if anyone wanted to get a Greek Golden Visa, they were required to purchase property.
Beyond tourism, Greece is also undergoing the pressing issue of the housing crisis brought on by the boom in short-term rentals. For this to not go haywire, the Greek government is planning to ban the new short-term leasing for at least a year in certain parts of Athens.
At present, Greece boasts several destinations that are incredibly popular among tourists. If places like Athens are loved for their rich history and iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon, the islands of Santorini and Mykonos are famous for their stunning sceneries, vibrant nightlife, and photogenic locales. Tourists also love to visit Crete, the largest Greek island, for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and diverse landscapes. Culturally inclined travellers would, more often than not, find themselves among the sacred ruins of Delphi. With so many cool places to visit, Greece has always been one of the most popular destinations for curious travellers.