A filepic of tourists viewing Santorini’s famed sunset. Overtourism has become a huge problem in some of Greece’s most famous islands. — Reuters
Picture the scene. Chapels with domed roofs and buildings with whitewashed walls that seem to roll down a slope frozen in time, as the sun glistens on the water of the infinity pools in which any traveller might dream to take a dip.
It sounds idyllic.
And, above all, it often corresponds to the typical image people have of Greece. This is one of the reasons why Santorini is so popular among visitors, not to mention its undeniable beauty and picturesque charm.
This success has inevitably had consequences, as the island is now dealing with a stifling influx of tourists. While the famous Greek caldera has a population of 15,000, the 800 cruise ships that dock there poured in some 1.3 million passengers last year. And these aren’t visitors who come by air or other sea routes to spend some time on the island.
According to the University of the Aegean, Santorini has a tourist capacity of 8,000 visitors per day. The island spans just 76km².
The introduction of an entry fee for day trippers to Venice, Italy, which has been in force since the beginning of the year, is a measure that could inspire the authorities in Santorini.
According to the Greek Reporter, it’s a project that could be envisaged, especially as Mayor Nikos Zorzos is not at all averse to such a scheme.
This tax would concern cruise passengers disembarking for a single day’s visit to the island. Note that they already pay a landing fee, albeit only €0.35 (RM1.70). To combat overtourism, this fee could be increased to €10 (RM48.25) per person, for example.
Other initiatives are being considered to prevent Santorini from being damaged by an overcrowded tourist population, including a ban on the construction of new hotels.
Plus, earlier this summer, the Greek government announced its intention to introduce a quota of cruise ships authorised to dock. – AFP Relaxnews
