Amidst concerns that overtourism is putting too much strain on certain parts of the world, developers in Greece have decided to embrace the benefits that come from being one of the hottest destinations around
Major tourist projects with budgets exceeding 1.2billion euros (£1billion) have been approved in Greece.
Amidst concerns that overtourism is putting too much strain on certain parts of the world, developers in Greece have decided to embrace the benefits that come from being one of the hottest destinations around.
The Mediterranean country is seeing a remarkable surge in new hotel openings to meet the surging tourism demand. The three investments concern large-scale tourism projects on the islets of Petalioi outside Evia, in Ermionida in the Peloponnese, and in Astakos, Western Greece.
Hydra Rock Real Estate Property S.A. has announced that it will invest 474 million euros in sustainable high-end tourist resort in Ermionida, Peloponnese; GH Hotel and Tourism S.A. will invest 224 million euros in a luxury eco-resort and upscale holiday homes on Megalonisos, Petalioi; and Astakos Terminal International Trade & Services S.A. is investing 524 million euros to convert the Port of Platygialos in the Astakos area of Aitoloakarnania into marina catering to mega yachts, according to Greek Reporter.
Last week authorities gave the green light for five new hotels in Santorini, Milos and Oreou Istiea, while Hilton signed an agreement that will add three existing hotels in the Greek capital Athens.
The expansion of the hotel sector in Greece has been rocketing on at some pace, with more than 450 new five- and four-star hotels, as well as another 244 three-star hotels that have started operating in the last five years. That is almost three every week since 2019.
In parts of Greece locals and local authorities have decided that they have had enough of great crowds of visitors. After the “worst ever” summer for overtourism at popular holiday destinations in Greece, the country has announced that it will go ahead with plans to place a €20 levy (£16) on travellers. Brits can expect to pay these fees from this summer at some of Greece’s biggest tourist traps, including the overwhelmed picturesque island of Santorini.
Despite boasting a meager population of 20,000 residents, this popular Mediterranean island regularly sees more than three million people swarm across its shores each year, putting a colossal strain on public services and pushing out locals. Other parts of sun-baked Greece face similar issues, with some spots seeing as much as 40 per cent of housing turned into lucrative Airbnb rentals, which will now be taxed at a higher rate.
One particular issue for Greece has been the growth in cruise ships dropping off hordes of passengers during the summer, flooding already popular spots with thousands of people at a time. Speaking to reporters, Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis said: “Greece does not have a structural overtourism problem… Some of its destinations have a significant issue during certain weeks or months of the year, which we need to deal with.”