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

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!

Greek people using their properties for short term rental are simple people and as such the whichever money they earn they throw them back to regional economy.Demonizing short term rental derives from big hotel lobbys.If rbnb dissapears not only they rents wont go down but also the hotel prices ,with no competition ,will skyrocket.

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

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.

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

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.

Come to Mauritius Island..🇲🇺 ❤

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. 💙🤍

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!

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.

Granting them asylum?

I don't travel so... No pr 😂

καπιο μεγαλο λατηοσ το .4 περνει ι Αθηινα.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.)