Greece Does Not Face Overtourism, Says Prime Minister

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Photo source: Reimagine Tourism in Greece

Greece is not dealing with an overtourism problem; rather, it faces challenges of tourist congestion in a few specific destinations during peak months, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the “Reimagine Tourism in Greece by Kathimerini” conference in Athens, Mitsotakis addressed various issues in a discussion titled “Tourism as a Strategic Priority for Greece.”

When the conversation with Kathimerini Director Alexis Papahelas shifted to overtourism, Mitsotakis dismissed the notion.

“Greece does not have, nor will it have, an overtourism problem,” he said, adding that when Greece is compared to countries like Spain, or Crete to destinations like Mallorca, “Greece is in a much better situation”.

The prime minister did, however, acknowledge the strain on popular destinations like Mykonos and Santorini, which have experienced overcrowding and overdevelopment, especially during peak season.

“This is why we have halted new building permits until we can thoroughly assess the impact of this rapid infrastructure growth on the islands, and until local spatial plans—the most extensive reform this government is implementing—are completed,” he said.

“We are well aware that Santorini and Mykonos add significant value to our tourism sector,” Mitsotakis added. “At the same time, we recognize that the pressures these islands face could ultimately harm our tourism product. I don’t believe solely in market self-regulation. I don’t want us to reach a point where these islands are so overwhelmed that visitors no longer enjoy their experience. This is why we are compelled to intervene.”

Cruise passenger levy

Photo source: PM press office

When asked about the new levy imposed on cruise passengers visiting Greek ports — particularly higher for popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos — the PM referred to it as a “logical intervention”, adding that he doesn’t believe it will harm the competitiveness of Greek tourism.

It is reminded that during the high season, a levy of 20 euros per passenger will apply on the two islands, with lower rates at other ports based on tourism demand. This measure aims to alleviate overcrowding during peak months, when infrastructure is often stretched.

The government has confirmed that a portion of the revenue from the levy will be allocated to the municipalities of cruise destinations to aid in local infrastructure improvements.

In addition to the levy, the Greek government plans to introduce berth allocation regulations to limit the number of cruise ships permitted to dock at these islands simultaneously.

The PM emphasized that the regulation is intended to ensure that tourists paying premium prices for extended stays are not overwhelmed by an influx of day visitors.

“When, for example, we have a visitor coming to Santorini and willing to pay 1,000 to 2,000 euros per night, while at the same time thousands of cruise visitors arrive for just six hours, creating overcrowding for the famous sunset, this is something we must address,” he said.

“So, adding a high levy on cruise passengers, while simultaneously regulating berth allocation to manage the way cruise ships approach these ports, seems to be a reasonable intervention. This approach allows us to continue attracting visitors while securing funds to be reinvested into island infrastructure,” he explained.

PM Mitsotakis emphasized that Santorini faces more significant challenges than Mykonos due to its unique geomorphology.

“We have major issues with the caldera, and Santorini urgently needs a new port. We have made the decision to initiate this as a project under the Ministry of Infrastructure, which must be completed as quickly as possible,” he stated.

Goal: Extending the season, Breaking revenue records

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Kathimerini Executive Editor Alexis Papahelas. Photo source: Reimagine Tourism in Greece

During the discussion, the Greek PM also highlighted the government’s broader goal of extending Greece’s tourism season so that not everyone arrives exclusively in July and August, focusing on a handful of destinations.

Mitsotakis then expressed that setting a record in tourist arrivals is not his primary concern.

“What interests me more is to break revenue records. We want visitors to spend more, but we do not want this increased spending to compromise our competitiveness,” he explained.

Looking to the future, Mitsotakis noted that tourism has the potential to reach all of Greece, supporting regional development throughout the country.

“I would like the infrastructure in our islands to be better 10 years from now,” he concluded.

Photo source: Reimagine Tourism in Greece

An initiative by Kathimerini, the “Reimagine Tourism in Greece” annual conference aims to promote sustainable tourism by bringing together leading thinkers, political and business leaders, and influential figures from the hospitality industry. The conference will conclude on Wednesday.