Tourists headed to the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Santorini have something to celebrate: Greece is taking steps to limit the number of cruise ships that visit its most popular destinations. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced moves to address the issue of 'over-tourism' that has been plaguing these idyllic spots. 'There are people spending a lot of money to be on Santorini and they don't want the island to be swamped,' Mitsotakis told Bloomberg.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in tourism as travel restrictions lifted. In the past year alone, Greece welcomed approximately 36 million visitors, an impressive 20.8% increase from 2022, according to the Bank of Greece. This influx has made the country a pricier destination, with the cost of an average overnight stay rising by 8.6% from the previous year. Many tourists, looking to experience the beauty of Greek islands without high costs, have turned to cruises. Cruise ship passengers have notably increased by 61.1%, with Mykonos and Santorini seeing a 74% and 57% rise in cruise arrivals respectively, according to the Greek Tourism Confederation.
This surge in cruise tourism has caused headaches for both locals and affluent visitors who shell out hefty sums to stay on the islands. Mykonos and Santorini, known for their luxury hotels, designer stores, and iconic white alleyways, have become almost impossible to navigate due to the influx of cruise passengers. The enormous vessels have also marred the scenic views that make these islands so famous.
Last summer, social media was abuzz with complaints about the situation. 'Another inconsiderate cruise ship blocking the sunset,' one user in Mykonos lamented. Georgios Hotzimanolis, who often documents the ships during his summers on the island, noted, 'Streets are full even in the middle of the day with sun beating down. Not sure this is enjoyable for them or for the rest of visitors, certainly not sustainable.'
Prime Minister Mitsotakis aims to change that by potentially introducing a cap on the number of cruise ships allowed to berth at these islands. 'I think we’ll do it next year,' he said. The new regulations could involve restricting the total number of island berths or introducing a bidding process for slots.
The decision has been welcomed by those who believe it will help preserve the charm and exclusivity of these iconic destinations. The local ombudsman also reported that even tourists have complained about the overwhelming number of visitors. 'In Santorini, even tourists complain about the great number of tourists,' the report noted.
However, the restrictions will not affect yachts, which continue to be a popular choice among affluent tourists. Jeff Bezos' superyacht, 'Koru,' has already made its way to Greece for the summer, exemplifying the kind of vessels likely to still be warmly received.
The move to limit cruise ship arrivals is seen as a crucial step towards sustainable tourism in Greece. As the country continues to attract millions of visitors each year, balancing economic benefits with preserving the local environment and culture has become increasingly important. By capping the number of cruise ships, Greece aims to ensure that its stunning islands remain a desirable and enjoyable destination for all.
