Greece to Impose Restrictions on Cruise Ships to Combat Overtourism

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece has announced plans to impose restrictions on cruise ships visiting the country’s most popular islands in an effort to address the issue of “overtourism.” Tourism accounts for a quarter of Greece’s economic output, and the country has seen a significant increase in visitors following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mitsotakis’ decision to limit cruise ship visits may have repercussions in the industry, but the restrictions are unlikely to significantly impact the tourism sector as ships will still be able to call at most islands. The move raises questions about the economic benefits of larger cruise ships versus their environmental impact, with Mitsotakis highlighting the strain on popular destinations like Santorini.

Other Mediterranean countries, such as Italy, have also taken steps to address issues of overtourism, with Venice banning large cruise ships from its historic center in 2021. Greek islands like Mykonos are also facing challenges due to their popularity with tourists. Mitsotakis emphasized that Santorini and Mykonos are particularly sensitive to the effects of overtourism and are in need of solutions to address the impact on both residents and visitors.

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