Responsible tourism in Greece
Tourism makes up almost 20 percent of GDP (up to 80 percent of income on the islands), and some 20 percent of the labour force is involved directly or indirectly in the industry. During Greece's financial crisis, violent protests flared up in cities over unpopular austerity measures, and as a result tourism slumped, with the result that many small companies went out of business.
Back then we believed, as we still do, then when a country's economy is on its knees, the best way to support the people there is by booking a holiday, and making sure that your money makes its way to local businesses. Avoid all-inclusive resorts, and chain restaurants. Stay local, eat local, buy local instead.
As Greece emerged from the financial crisis, tourism receipts picked up and have not stopped growing since. After all, this has always been one of Europe's most desirable holiday destinations. But while that increase in spending is welcome, it brings with it its own challenges.
Back then we believed, as we still do, then when a country's economy is on its knees, the best way to support the people there is by booking a holiday, and making sure that your money makes its way to local businesses. Avoid all-inclusive resorts, and chain restaurants. Stay local, eat local, buy local instead.
As Greece emerged from the financial crisis, tourism receipts picked up and have not stopped growing since. After all, this has always been one of Europe's most desirable holiday destinations. But while that increase in spending is welcome, it brings with it its own challenges.
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Wildlife & environment
Overtourism
The Greek economy has been in the doldrums for some time now, and the financial crisis, which began in 2010 and from which the country only began to emerge in 2017, only worsened the effects. Harsh austerity measures resulted in thousands becoming homeless, many more entering poverty, and immense social strain. Yet through it all, one part of the economy kept ticking over. Tourism.Greece’s tourism industry contracted significantly during the financial crisis of course, but with no fewer than 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hundreds of idyllic islands, world-famous archaeological ruins, a sumptuous Mediterranean cuisine and a wealth of activities available from hiking and cycling to watersports and small ship cruising, it was never going to fall from favour. In recent years, lower rates aimed at driving tourism receipts, coupled with fears over terrorism in rival destinations such as Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt, have seen tourism bounce back in a big way. Officials reckon that a new job is created for every 30 tourist arrivals.
But the resurgence of its tourism industry doesn’t necessarily mean all good news for Greece. The spectre of overtourism, which affects destinations worldwide, is a growing concern. In 2018 Greece was expected to receive some 32 million foreign visitors, up almost 5 million since 2017, an astronomical increase. That level of growth puts immense levels of pressure on small island communities, fragile ecosystems and ancient sites where preservation programs weren’t designed for these numbers.
With infrastructure being overwhelmed during peak travel months, Greece is now looking to move away from its three pillars of tourism approach: Sun, Sand and Sea to alleviate pressure on the most popular places such as Santorini. It’s to be hoped that encouraging people to visit lesser-known islands and mainland destinations will help to spread the income from tourism, while also reducing demand on overstretched resources.
What can you do?
Travel out of season. The peak summer months of July and August can be ridiculously hot and crowded anyway, so you’re far better off avoiding them if you can. May, September and October are glorious in Greece, promising warm sunny weather.
When researching where to go, look further afield than ever-popular islands such as Santorini, Crete and Corfu. You may need to take a slightly longer ferry journey, but the rewards are worth it: far fewer people around, pristine natural settings, and the sense of fresh discovery.
Sources: Telegraph, Guardian
With infrastructure being overwhelmed during peak travel months, Greece is now looking to move away from its three pillars of tourism approach: Sun, Sand and Sea to alleviate pressure on the most popular places such as Santorini. It’s to be hoped that encouraging people to visit lesser-known islands and mainland destinations will help to spread the income from tourism, while also reducing demand on overstretched resources.
What can you do?
Travel out of season. The peak summer months of July and August can be ridiculously hot and crowded anyway, so you’re far better off avoiding them if you can. May, September and October are glorious in Greece, promising warm sunny weather.
When researching where to go, look further afield than ever-popular islands such as Santorini, Crete and Corfu. You may need to take a slightly longer ferry journey, but the rewards are worth it: far fewer people around, pristine natural settings, and the sense of fresh discovery.
Sources: Telegraph, Guardian
Responsible tourism tips
More about Greece
When is the best time to visit Greece? Summer (July to September) is idyllic, and we'll help you escape the crowds.
Our Greece travel guide is as smooth as olive oil, as appealing as a deserted Cycadean island in May, and, dare we say it, as interesting as a tour around the classical sites of the Peloponnese.
Learn where to go and make the most of your time as you pore over our Greece map & itineraries which will take you from Thessaloniki & Mt Olympus in the north to the Peloponnese, the Cyclades and Crete, further south.
Find out what Responsible Travel recommend for travelling in Greece with kids, including Minotaurs, the Med and magic mountains that should never be far from any family-friendly itinerary.
Discover our recommended things to do in Greece ranging from sublime sailing sites and Byzantine island churches to walking in the sandal steps of Ulysses, or paddling the pristine coastlines of Mediterranean island idylls.
If you’re interested in the myths and legends of the ancient world, the Greek mainland, including the Peloponnese, is certain to sate your curiosity.
Greece walking holidays take you along mountain trails and coastal paths with plenty of ancient sites and natural wonders to keep an eye out for along the way.
Greece self drive holidays put you in full control of how your holiday unfolds, whether you want to hike mountains or visit little out-of-the-way beaches for an authentic take on Greek life.
Discover the benefits of a Greece sailing holiday as you contemplate life in the Cyclades, and beyond, from an on board perspective that’s bound to be as relaxing as it will be exhilarating.
Small ship cruising in Greece is about experiencing island life at a relaxed pace, not about being bombarded by entertainment on a floating hotel.
Take yourself off for a week in Greece as you discover the delights of yoga holidays where the sun always shines and the food is just as fresh as the breeze skimming off the Aegean.
With between 1,200 and 6,000 islands, from tiny uninhabited specks to large rocky land masses, Greece is without parallel when it comes to island variety.
Rightfully popular and wildly beautiful, the Cyclades archipelago holds over 200 islands, which are largely mountainous and mostly uninhabited.
At just an hour and a half from Athens, the charms of the Peloponnese are well known to locals, but for international travellers, this peninsula lags far behind the Greek Islands in popularity.
While many people concentrate on the Greek islands, it’s well worth spending some time in the capital.
Wellness holidays in Greece connect you with the therapeutic powers of Mediterranean sea and sunshine – and its healing herbs and plants, which have sustained and revived since the time of the Gods.
Volunteering holidays in Greece give you the chance to work with animal charities that, thanks to the economic crisis, need all hands on deck.
Multi activity holidays in Greece are like an epic: you’ll sail the Aegean, battle your way through white water rapids, hike Olympic mountains, and swim in seas with ancient sea creatures.
Greece travel advice should always start with those who know it best which is why we’ve asked our suppliers to give us their recommendations alongside a few pearls of wisdom related to health & safety in Greece.
From idyllic island-hopping to hiking between fascinating archaeological sites and sublime cycling, find your perfect holiday, and stacks of information on what to see and do, with all our Greece guides in one place.
