Santorini locals urged to stay home amid tourist surge
Local authorities have asked residents of Santorini Island to limit their movement due to a significant influx of tourists. Around 11,000 visitors arrived on the island in just one day, which is home to approximately 15,000 residents.
As reported by the eKathimerini portal, Panagiotis Kavallaris, a representative of the authorities in Santorini, posted on social media, appealing to the residents to limit their movement due to increased tourist traffic.
Santorini overrun by tourists
The post, which has since been deleted, attracted the attention of the Greek public and resulted in many negative comments. Residents were restricted for the sake of tourists—some were annoyed.
The service notes that the authorities on Santorini are concerned about the effects of excessive tourism on the island.
During a meeting of high-ranking representatives of various ministries, the mayor of Santorini, the governor, and deputies from the Cyclades Islands discussed limiting cruises to the island.
Tourist limit to be imposed
Nikos Zorzos, the mayor of Santorini, said that the number of guests arriving on the island daily should not exceed 8,000. He announced that the limit on the number of people coming to Santorini would be reinstated next year. He added that a new port must also be built, along with improvements to energy infrastructure and urban planning. He also advocated for regulating hotel and Airbnb operations.
In a recent report, the Greek Ombudsman stated that the famous Greek island of Santorini, which has a population of about 15,500, receives over five million visitors annually. In 2012, this number was half as much. It was emphasised that on Santorini, "even tourists complain about the large number of tourists."
Many Greeks, regardless of political views, are concerned about the phenomenon of excessive tourism.
