Greek islands to implement new limits on cruise ships by 2025
- Greek islands are considering imposing restrictions on cruise ship visits by 2025.
- The decision is aimed at managing tourism flow and protecting the local environment.
- The new limits could have a significant impact on the tourism industry and infrastructure of the islands.
Greece plans to reduce the number of cruise ships visiting islands like Santorini and Mykonos to address overtourism. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis aims to cap cruise liners and decrease passenger footfall on the Cycladic Islands. The move follows concerns about the impact of excessive tourism on these popular destinations. Measures may include limiting berths and implementing a bidding process for securing docking slots. Santorini and Mykonos are particularly affected, with thousands of cruise ships and millions of passengers visiting annually. The decision comes as tourism plays a significant role in the Greek economy, with 33 million visitors in 2023. Other countries, such as Italy and the Netherlands, have also taken steps to manage cruise ship tourism in response to environmental and social concerns.