Greece warns of serious tourism crisis; graffiti, local unrest highlights resentment towards British tourists; Athens faces major social and environmental challenges from overtourism
Greece has issued a stark warning about a worsening tourism crisis, with more than seven million tourists due to visit Athens in 2023. Graffiti reading “No more tourism” has appeared on shopfronts in Athens, reflecting local resentment towards British visitors, with the unrest spreading to Spain, affecting popular destinations such as Lanzarote, Tenerife and Mallorca.
Local voices reflect concerns
Social and environmental burdens: Katerina Kikilia, professor of tourism management at the University of Western Attica, highlighted the social and environmental impacts that Athenians face daily: Housing crisis: Athens is suffering from a severe housing shortage, exacerbated by the influx of tourists.
Kikilia noted that the once-bustling neighborhood has now transformed into a hub for families and short-term rentals with no children. The city expects visitor numbers to increase by 20 percent, making the once-peaceful August streets a distant memory.
Fiscal imbalances and the demand for sustainable tourism
Economic Inequality: Mayor Harris Doukas noted that despite each tourist bringing approximately €0.40 to the city, this economic benefit is largely ignored by local communities. Need for Regulation: Mayor Doukas is calling for a study to determine the sustainable tourism capacity, aiming to reduce inequalities in the city related to short-term rentals and hotels.
Greece’s call for action highlights the urgent need for a sustainable tourism policy. Safeguarding Athens’ future requires striking a balance between welcoming tourists and maintaining its social and environmental integrity. As tensions rise, local authorities are pressing for concrete measures to control tourist flows and maintain the city’s livability.
