Holidaymakers planning a trip to Greece should prepare for strict new rules to be implemented at the country’s beaches.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis outlined these measures in a TikTok video to tackle overcrowding and promote fairness.
Among the new regulations is a cap on the number of sunbeds allowed at beaches across Greece.
Seventy per cent of beaches must now be free from sunbeds, ensuring ample space for the public.
Additionally, protected areas must maintain an 85 per cent sunbed-free zone, preserving the ecological sensitivity of these regions. Sunbeds will be banned entirely from such places, safeguarding the environment.
To further enhance accessibility, a minimum of four meters of space between the shoreline and sunbeds will be enforced. This measure aims to ensure that all holidaymakers can easily access the sea.
Beachfront businesses seeking to rent sunbeds will now compete for space through online auctions. Drones will monitor beaches to enforce these new rules effectively.
While the exact implementation date remains uncertain, the rules will take effect this spring. With fewer sunbeds, beachfront businesses may increase rental prices, potentially intensifying competition among holidaymakers for seating.
In addition to beach regulations, Greece has announced a new climate resilience levy for overnight visitors. This levy addresses the damage caused by extreme weather events, such as wildfires and floods.
The levy, expected to generate €300 million in 2024, will contribute to rebuilding infrastructure damaged by climate change. Tourists visiting Greece between March and October must pay the levy, which varies based on accommodation type, ranging from €1 to €4 per night.
This levy supplements the existing accommodation tax, increasing tourist charges. Greece is not alone in considering such measures; Venice is trialling a fee for day-trippers to address overtourism, while Santiago de Compostela plans to introduce a fee to encourage responsible tourism behaviour.
Similarly, destinations across the UK, including Manchester and St Ives in Cornwall, are contemplating tourist taxes to manage the impact of visitors on local infrastructure and resources.
Introducing these regulations and taxes underscores the global effort to balance tourism’s economic benefits with environmental and social considerations. As destinations grapple with overcrowding issues, ecological sustainability, and climate resilience, such measures aim to foster a more responsible and equitable tourism industry.
