Greece has achieved significant success in tourism and increased its popularity in Europe during the summer of 2024. However, concerns about sustainability, such as excessive tourist flows and infrastructure issues, must be addressed. EU officials emphasize the need for Greece to manage its tourism sector in a more balanced and sustainable manner.
Greece's Tourism Success Faces EU Sustainability Warning
Nicosia – Greece has achieved historic success in tourism during the summer of 2024, enjoying the revival of tourism after a difficult economic period. Reports from Greek media highlight developments in the sector. However, the European Union (EU) has issued a warning that the recent 'boom' in Greece's tourism sector may not be sustainable. According to Brussels, Greece's tourism industry is overheating, which could lead to unwanted developments over the next decade.
Record Tourism Boom
According to Kathimerini, Greece continues to gain popularity among European tourists. Previously achieving significant numbers in the tourism sector, Greece is now the 4th most preferred destination in Europe according to the European Travel Commission (ETC), marking a 6% increase from the previous year. The summer of 2024 has seen a notable rise in tourist spending, particularly from American visitors.
Tourism Momentum Across Europe
Greece's tourism momentum is closely tied to broader trends in Europe. The economic news site Oikonomos Tahydromos reports that tourism spending across Europe is expected to reach 800 billion euros in 2024. Referencing a recent Bloomberg report, the site noted that tourist spending in Europe is anticipated to reach record levels post-COVID-19. The report indicates that 75% of European travelers plan to travel between May and October 2024, with a focus on Mediterranean destinations like Spain, Italy, and Greece. Intra-European travel trends are also on the rise.
Sustainability Concerns
However, recent figures and expectations from the European and Greek tourism industries have raised concerns among EU officials. According to Skai.gr, a new European Parliament (EP) study suggests that the current tourism model is unsustainable and that Greece's tourism sector faces a risk of collapse within the next decade. Experts have highlighted the pressure of excessive tourist flows on water and energy resources and the difficulties in preserving cultural and historical sites.
Santorini at Risk, Resources Depleting
New reports focusing on Greece’s tourism issues particularly highlight infrastructure and environmental problems in destinations like Santorini due to overcrowding. Skai.gr's report notes that Greece's water resources are nearing depletion in many areas, energy consumption, especially in hotels, has reached critical levels, and there are challenges in preserving historical sites. Additionally, alternative accommodation options like Airbnb are negatively impacting local demographics, with residents struggling to cope with high living costs.
EU Recommendations
The European Parliament's new report emphasizes the need for Greece to manage its tourism sector sustainably in the future. Given that tourism constitutes 25% of Greece's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), developing a sustainable tourism model is crucial. Experts recommend implementing specific restrictions during peak tourist seasons, encouraging alternative types of tourism, and directing tourism revenue towards projects that improve local welfare. Eduardo Santander, CEO of the European Travel Commission, also suggested that enhancing the appeal of less popular destinations could lead to a more balanced distribution of tourist traffic.
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