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