Santorini limit reignites debate over excessive tourism
Local authorities asked residents of Santorini to limit their movements due to a large influx of tourists. In just one day, 11,000 visitors arrived on the island, which was home to about 15,000 people.
The eKathimerini portal reports that Panagiotis Kavallaris, a representative of the authorities in Santorini, published a post on social media in which he appealed to residents to limit their movements due to the increased tourist traffic.
Santorini besieged by tourists
The post, which has since been removed, caught the attention of the Greek public and resulted in many negative comments. "A lockdown was applied to residents for the good of the tourists," some were irritated.
The authorities in Santorini are concerned about the impact of excessive tourism on the island, notes the service.
The subject of limiting cruises to Santorini was discussed during a meeting of high-ranking representatives of various ministries, the mayor of Santorini, the governor, and deputies from the Cyclades Islands.
There will be a limit on tourists
Nikos Zorzos, mayor of Santorini, said that the number of visitors arriving on the island daily should not exceed 8,000. He announced the reinstatement of the limit on the number of people coming to Santorini starting next year. He added that a new port must also be built, and the energy infrastructure and urban planning must be improved. He also supported the regulation of the activities of hotels and Airbnb.
The Greek Ombudsman recently reported that the popular social media Greek island of Santorini, which has about 15,500 residents, annually receives over five million visitors. In 2012, this number was half as significant. As emphasized in Santorini, "even tourists complain about the large number of tourists."
Many Greeks, regardless of their political views, are concerned about excessive tourism.
