Greek tourism is facing a surge in visitors, prompting the government to introduce new measures to ensure the sustainability of the industry. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to announce these initiatives at the upcoming Thessaloniki International Fair.
The measures will focus on boosting competition among accommodation providers, addressing the housing crisis in high-tourist areas, and improving infrastructure to combat issues like water scarcity. For instance, swimming pools in water-stressed regions will be filled with sea water.
Additionally, there will be changes in cruise ship itineraries and a higher disembarkation fee in crowded destinations. The Central Union of Municipalities of Greece is also considering raising the guest tax on hotel turnover.
Government sources emphasize the need to protect sensitive areas, ensure benefits for local communities, and minimize negative impacts on the environment and residents’ quality of life. These regulatory measures aim to enhance the tourism product quality and overall revenue.