Athens Faces New Overtourism Crisis: Experts Advocate for Sustainable Measures to Protect and Enhance Tourism

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The Greek capital, Athens, is facing significant challenges due to overtourism in the post-pandemic era, as the city continues to welcome an increasing number of tourists throughout the year. Industry experts have raised concerns that this influx is creating an unsustainable environment for permanent residents and diminishing the quality of the tourist experience.

Local Reactions and New Measures

In response to extreme reactions from permanent residents against tourists in popular European destinations like Mallorca, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, Greek officials are considering new measures to safeguard the quality of life for locals and make tourism more sustainable. These measures are deemed necessary to address the multi-faceted problem of overtourism, which has become increasingly apparent post-pandemic and is expected to peak in 2024 as tourist flows continue to rise.

Expert Insights

Katerina Kikilia, Head of the Department of Tourism Management at the University of Western Attica, and Director of the MSc in Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Tourism, emphasized the urgent need for Greece to shift its tourism strategy. She warned that Greece must prevent the emergence of an anti-tourism movement similar to that in Spain. In an interview with Greek Reporter, Kikilia highlighted the numerous consequences of overtourism in Athens.

Housing Challenges

One of the most significant issues is the housing problem in Athens. Kikilia pointed out that the city welcomed seven million visitors in 2023 alone, with this number forecasted to increase by 20% in 2024. The influx of tourists has made long-term rentals increasingly difficult for locals to secure. Congestion around main attractions, air and noise pollution, and issues with urban cleanliness and security are also critical concerns.

The Call for Sustainable Tourism

Kikilia advocated for a tourism policy that focuses on attracting high-quality, sustainable tourism rather than merely increasing tourist flows. She argued that the goal should now be to increase revenues and quality of tourism to protect and elevate the tourism sector.

Tax Allocation and Infrastructure

The new mayor of Athens, Charis Doukas, recently proposed that a larger percentage of the tourism and sustainability tax charged at tourist accommodation establishments should be allocated to the municipality instead of the central government. Doukas suggested that this would help with maintenance costs and infrastructure development. Kikilia agreed with this approach, citing the Venice tourism tax as an example of how to limit tourist flows while increasing municipal revenue. However, she stressed that tax revenues alone would not solve the problems caused by overtourism.

Limiting Short-Term Rentals

Kikilia emphasized the need to limit short-term rentals in Athens, similar to measures taken in other European cities. She noted that this would not exclude tourists who prefer this type of accommodation, as Greece has many small and medium-sized hotel businesses that offer affordable options. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis mentioned in May that consultations for limiting short-term rentals are already underway, with decisions expected after the peak tourist season.

Comprehensive Tourism Strategy

Kikilia proposed spreading tourist flows throughout the year to address the issues caused by overtourism. She suggested building infrastructure wherever possible and limiting tourist flows where necessary infrastructure development is impossible. The creation and implementation of a comprehensive plan and strategy for Greek tourism are imperative. These measures must consider all consequences of overtourism and aim to reduce weaknesses while increasing the benefits of tourism in Greece.

The challenges faced by Athens due to overtourism have global implications for the travel industry. The need for sustainable tourism strategies and policies is more pressing than ever. Coordinated efforts and preventive actions are required immediately to address these issues and ensure a sustainable future for tourism in Greece and other popular destinations worldwide.

Key Points

• Athens is struggling with overtourism post-pandemic, impacting residents and tourists.
• New measures are being considered to safeguard locals’ quality of life and promote sustainable tourism.
• Housing, congestion, pollution, and urban cleanliness are major concerns.
• Focus is shifting towards attracting high-quality, sustainable tourism.
• Limiting short-term rentals and improving infrastructure are key strategies.
• Comprehensive tourism plans are necessary to address overtourism effectively.

The global travel industry must recognize the importance of sustainable tourism practices to prevent similar issues in other popular destinations. Athens’ efforts to address overtourism could serve as a model for cities worldwide, emphasizing the need for strategic planning, community collaboration, and sustainable growth.