Survey: Greeks Rank Overtourism Among Top Concerns

Petros Ioannidis, director of aboutpeople (right) with Ilias Tsaousakis, strategy and communication consultant, presenting the findings of the survey: “Attitudes and Perceptions of Citizens on Issues Related to Tourism Development in Greece”. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

Greece is facing growing concerns over overtourism, with 72.5 percent of respondents identifying it as a significant issue in a recent public survey titled “Attitudes and Perceptions of Citizens on Issues Related to Tourism Development in Greece”.

Conducted by the research company aboutpeople on behalf of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), the survey sheds light on public attitudes towards tourism’s impact and future in the country.

Despite widespread recognition of overtourism nationally, 66.9 percent of participants reported no such phenomena in their local areas.

66.9% of Greeks reported no overtourism phenomena in their local areas. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

The findings were presented by Petros Ioannidis, director of aboutpeople, during SETE’s annual conference, “Shaping the Future of Tourism” held on Thursday.

Economic importance of tourism

Tourism emerged as the top sector for Greece’s economic growth, with 36.6 percent of respondents identifying it as the most critical industry for future development. It was followed by the agri-food sector at 34.4 percent and industrial production at 24.5 percent.

Impacts of tourism: Positive and Negative

The survey revealed mixed views on tourism’s effects on Greece. On the positive side:

– 42.4 percent highlighted job creation as tourism’s most significant benefit.
– 38.6 percent cited its contribution to the national economy.
– 21.8 percent pointed to opportunities for seasonal employment.

However, concerns about tourism’s downsides were also prominent:

– 40.5 percent of participants identified rising rents as the leading negative impact.
– 37.3 percent pointed to higher living costs.
– 22.2 percent warned about economic overreliance on a single sector.

Petros Ioannidis, director of aboutpeople. Photo source: SETE

Working conditions in tourism

The working environment in Greece’s tourism sector was seen as problematic by many respondents:

– 62.9 percent identified long working hours as the primary issue.
– 48.2 percent pointed to poor working conditions.
– 41.7 percent highlighted low wages.

To improve conditions, respondents suggested better working hours (46.6 percent), higher wages (44 percent), and improved insurance and benefits (27.4 percent). Opinions on wages were divided: 35.4 percent believed tourism wages are above the national average, while 25.4 percent said they lag behind other sectors.

62.9% of Greeks identified “long working hours” as the main reason why the working environment in Greece’s tourism sector is “problematic”. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

A vision for sustainable tourism

The survey emphasized the need for sustainability and innovation in Greece’s tourism model. Key recommendations included:

– Focusing on sustainability and environmental protection (91.5 percent).
– Developing alternative forms of tourism, such as cultural and gastronomic experiences (43.3 percent).
– Limiting mass tourism in sensitive areas (33.9 percent).
– Investing in green tourism infrastructure (29.1 percent).

The survey also highlighted that 72.4 percent of respondents view mass tourism in popular destinations as the hallmark of Greece’s current tourism model. In contrast, a new vision for tourism would prioritize cultural and archaeological tourism (30.9 percent) and luxury or thematic tourism (12.8 percent).

Broader public perceptions

The Greeks see tourism as a promoter of key values, with hospitality mentioned first. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

The survey’s findings underline the complex relationship between tourism and Greek society:

– 67.3 percent of respondents had a positive view of tourism’s impact on Greece.
– 47.2 percent believed tourism had both positive and negative environmental effects, while 39 percent saw it as mostly harmful.

Tourism was seen as a promoter of key values, including hospitality (53.6 percent), local culture (46.3 percent), and intercultural understanding (25.9 percent).

The survey, conducted by aboutpeople, gathered responses from 1,314 men and women over the age of 17. It aimed to offer a comprehensive snapshot of public sentiment and provides valuable insights for shaping the future of tourism in Greece.