Overtourism over here: Greek islands feel the strain

The Agora

Greece is preparing to welcome a record number of tourists again this year, but their visits will take place against a backdrop of growing concern among locals about the damage being done to the islands and their way of life by rapid development.

Greek policy makers face a dilemma over how to balance the growth and job creation provided by tourism, a vital industry for the local economy, against the fear that going down this path too fast and too far is ultimately unsustainable.

Journalist Yannis Palaiologos joins us on The Agora to discuss these issues. Yannis is part of the team behind the Sustainable Cyclades media project, which has been reporting on the impact that overtourism and development has been having on the Aegean islands and their residents.

Useful reading

Sustainable Cyclades

Local Greeks pushed out as mass tourism takes over Athens - France 24

'Without rules we cannot live’: Greece seeks ways to tackle ‘overtourism’ - Al Jazeera

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