The party island and the dream vacation spot. Mykonos and Santorini are two of Greece’s most prized and popular holiday locations for international tourists.
Consequently, this has resulted in a significant reduction in visitor satisfaction, as well as inhabitant living.
A government-commissioned study looks to put an end to this over-tourism issue, however, aiming at turning those popular Cycladic islands into models for sustainable development and management of increased demand for accommodation and entertainment.
The study constitutes a blueprint of measures managing the number and timing of tourist arrivals on those two islands, as well as a series of administrative initiatives and investments in crucial infrastructures.
“Mykonos and Santorini constitute two iconic tourism brands, which due to their appeal also affect to a significant extent the national image of the Greek tourism product,” Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias tells Kathimerini.
“Consequently any problems these islands face are reflected on the broader picture. Given the the government’s determination to turn Greek islands into paradigms of sustainable development, including Mykonos and Santorini will have multiplying effects.”
“For that purpose we have discussed with all parties concerned and drafted two action plans for those islands with an integrated policy toward the action required for meeting the strategic objectives.
“These are improving the inhabitants’ quality of life, strengthening the visitor experience, making development sustainable increasing tourism revenues,” says the minister.
Kikilias notes that “with the cooperation of the entities involved, these two islands could constitute a global case study on the transition to a new era in conditions of sustainability and prosperity.”
