Overrun Athens: How the Greek capital is finding solutions to the tourist influx | euronews 🇬🇧

With tourism booming year-round, Athens' local resources and residents are feeling the strain.

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[Laconic-Spartan]

Hello my dear friends! I'm Greek, hence, I'd like to mention, please, just keep in mind, in no way we're anti-tourism, like some other countries. We only try to make it more viable. We Greeks are only 9 million people while we accommodate each year over 3 times our population. However, tourists gathering only in Athens and islands is part of the problem, overcrowding which makes the experience worse for the tourists themselves, something we don't want it happening. We aim for quality tourism, the tourist to have a great time/experience (it's not hard in Greece), but spread a bit more evenly all over the country, since we try to offer quality services, as we successfully do so.

People missing out places in northern Greece, like, the city 'Thessaloniki' which has just 30 kilometers away, 'Halkidiki', the 3-legged peninsula you see on the map in said part. It's like many islands stuck together. Every 5-10 kilometers, a new town to discover with its own beach. The peninsula also has "hidden" beaches only for those who care to search in order to receive the "reward". We also have the cleanest waters in Europe with the most blue-flags (awards). Then, there's is 'Meteora' in central Greece for hitch-hikers, climbers or simple tourists/visitors. Monasteries on the top of high rocks surrounded by a forestry area. Further, we've got, 'Pella', again, in northern Greece where the Greek Royal Tombs have been discovered. The panoply and larnax of the father of Alexander the Great, Philip, are being kept near 'Pella' in a majestic, mystical-like Museum. Meanwhile, the excavations haven't finished even in the slightest. It's painstakingly slow job. Who knows what other Greek treasures we'll discover in the future. Or, our first capital after the liberation in 1821, the town of 'Nafplio' in Southern Greece. For this reason, since it was our first capital before we liberated Athens, we keep 'Nafplio' in a spotless, perfect condition. A truly majestic town/city as well. Lastly, our islands in Western Greece or 'Parga' on the mainland, western Greece as well.

Please, don't for a moment think we Greeks are inhospitable, unwelcoming to tourists, people. By the way, the waters I mentioned in Greece, 95% purity for sea-standards (our sea is like a swimming pool) and 100% for drinking water since 78% of Greece is mountainous country. Thank you for your consideration and understanding. Try to discover Greece a little better and you won't regret it. You can indeed, live your Myth in Greece!

[Anastasis-is-here]

To all those people who go to Athens: Don't leave the city if you haven't visited the 1st graveyard of Athens.

[fjdkfdfjdf]

I wonder really if these politicians are speaking what they really think. Obviously Greece is dependent on tourism and it's a very large part of the economy. There is already a hotel tax and that could easily be increased.

[jessetorres]

Trivia note: The U.S. game show The Amazing Race has been on for 36 Seasons, & yet they have been to Greece for just 3 of them; Seasons 9, 29, & 33.

[eleftheriosmerkouropoulos]

sorry to bother but how come only 0.4 euro per visitor comes as Mayor says?

[j-sonS]

I'm in Athens right now on a cruise. They cancelled our tours saying there is too much striking going on. Guess Athens doesn't want my tourist dollars and I'm ok not giving it and doubt id come back since its far away from NY where im from.

[ΙωάννηςΕλ]

As a Greek, living in my capital Athens, I welcome all the tourists and you should know that Greeks are very positive to the tourists. They are people from many different countries who want to take a rest and see Athens. Of course they are welcomed. Athens has good level of tourists with kindness and quality. 💙🤍

[abdullahhakan]

Leave as tourists who don't want to pamper you, degrade you while you eat at franchises of USA at rebate prices compared to luxury local slow foods. Instead come to Ankara, Eskisehir, Kayseri, Konya cities which are waiting like crazy and can attract only 50.000 foreign tourists per year to 250.000 foreigners in those cities in Turkiye. We are awaiting you sizzlingly. In Ankara, Kayseri, Eskisehir, Konya cities, you can find all kinds of foreign foods, swimming pools, renting car starts at 25 euros per day compared to Spain's 100 euros per day. We have got Ramada hotel, Wyndham hotel, Hilton hotel, Sheraton hotel, Radisson hotel, JW Marriot hotel .

[rchlletters]

There’s one way to control tourism—start charging a LOT. This ensure few and interested people with a likely appreciation for and respect of your distinctive culture, beautiful landscape and ancient treasures. Greece and Spain are historically where you went when you couldn’t afford a “proper European holiday”. Time you guys just started adding zeroes to your fees!

[stelios-]

The last guy talking is the mayor. He is bitching because there is no direct tax from the muncipality to the tourists. This is what greed looks like because the municipality is taxing everyone one way or another and offers too little for a better life in Athens.

[mirgianchasanllari]

Attention to all tourists who travelling to Greece.keep your eyes to your belongings especially wallet, bags, ect.

[tpop]

Like most places that rely heavily upon tourism maybe it would be best to diversify their economy due to the fact that tourism isn’t really sustainable. It’s like a thousand people showing up to your house to use your toilet.

[nicolaoudinos]

καπιο μεγαλο λατηοσ το .4 περνει ι Αθηινα.

[toroverde]

Take this to your government and stop attacking tourist. This is a government problem.

[kimscott]

Simple- shut borders to tourists. You can do it Athens, Barcelona, Amsterdam or why not all of Europe!!!!

[georgegeorgakopoulos]

Female tourists are welcome in Greece, especially in country side...

[Kolias-yt]

Travellers welcome . Tourists go away .

[MrHorse-bymp]

The cities of Cleveland and Pittsburgh, USA, have never in their entire history ever had a tourist. Come be the first! Everyone will be happy to welcome you (but also a little confused because these cities are terrible in every possible way.)