The 'beach towel revolt' taking back Greek beaches

Travel & Holidays Travel & Holidays: In The News
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The protests began on Paros in May 2023 when a group of residents, who were already regularly meeting to talk about environmental issues on the island, began discussing how the spots where people can freely swim and sunbathe (without being forced to pay for a sun lounger) were becoming ever scarcer. It’s one symptom of how the island is increasingly catering to tourists at the expense of locals.

Beach-side businesses that erect loungers and umbrellas must apply for licences from the Greek finance minister to use designated parts of the beach. Checks are meant to be carried out regularly to ensure they are not taking up more space than their licences allow. However, protestors allege that these checks are rarely – if ever – carried out. As a result, free spots for towels are now few and far between. Residents used drone images to document illegal sun loungers, comparing their locations to their government-designated areas. The group found spots where loungers and umbrellas were taking up to 10 times the permitted space.

Demonstrations have taken place on the neighbouring island Naxos and the southern island of Crete. More recently, the islands of Rhodes and Aegina, as well as Attica – the state where Athens is located – have joined in.

Campaigners say the beaches are just one part of a bigger struggle. Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe and speakers at the protest told the gathered crowd that over-tourism – and the social and environmental problems that come with it – must be addressed.

Tourism is Greece’s largest industry. In 2021 the country welcomed 15 million visitors – one-and-a-half-times its total population. However, many argue that the tourism boom has not been properly managed. Local municipalities lack the power to control visitor flows, and weak institutions mean it is easy for businesses of all kinds to skirt the rules.

If protestors’ demands are met, there will be more space on Greek beaches to lay down your towel for free – something that many travellers may be grateful for. In previous decades, the majority of Greek islands were known as budget destinations for bohemian backpackers, and many locals feel free access to beaches is in line with this traditional reputation.

Good for the Greeks … :+1:

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“Across Greece” - is that so? I remember reports showing locals begging European tourists to come back since their money was badly needed. That was the case after any interruption of what was thought to be normal tourism. If that has changed now and locals put their foot down and reclaim their beaches and overstretched infrastructure, it is understandable and goes hand in hand with developments in other locations like Venice, Mallorca, etc. It is to be hoped, though, that those regions have calculated the effects carefully and have the perseverance and the staying power needed to make sure it’s not a nine day wonder.

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It’s a long article and, obviously, I had to trim the content.

Here’s some more:

In addition, in recent years, successive governments have used the tourism industry to help the country’s economy recover, from first the 2008 financial crisis and then the Covid-19 pandemic. Politicians have heavily marketed the country as a sun and sea destination and made it easier for foreign investors to open tourism-related businesses.

“[There is a] long-standing lack of oversight, which has led to increased impunity,” said Efthymia Sarantakou from the University of West Attica. She notes that multiple institutions have failed to implement checks and balances, leaving some business free to indulge in “mafia-like” behaviour.

Demonstrations have taken place on the neighbouring island Naxos and the southern island of Crete. More recently, the islands of Rhodes and Aegina, as well as Attica – the state where Athens is located – have joined in. The location of the Paros protest is particularly symbolic; as the main beach in the island’s central village, it’s the most popular spot for locals to take an after-work dip.

Stephanou from the Paros campaign says his group wants to present an entire strategy for a more sustainable model of tourism in Greece.

“Right now, prices are out of control,” he said. “Most people can’t afford to go to a bar or a restaurant. The traffic is incredible.” If you don’t own a house, it’s hard to find one to rent that isn’t an Airbnb, which has led to shortages of key workers such as doctors, nurses and teachers.

Stephanou would like to see a move away from marketing the Cycladic islands as a luxury destination. “There is amazing history here, archaeological sites, walking paths, good wine and agricultural produce,” he said. “This can attract a more responsible visitor than one who just wants to sit on a sun lounger with a cocktail.”

Foreign investors want a return on their money so, inevitably, they will charge what the market will stand (and what the authorities allow, regardless of local needs). “All-inclusive” holidays might suit bargain-seeking visitors and fill beachfront hotels with all amenities but do nothing for the local economy.

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Perhaps this will set an example for Aussies to take back Bondi Beach from those bloody Poms.

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You are a Pom don’t pretend you arent .

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Have I ever said anything different?

Yet another personal attack from you.

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So much for the tough Aussie act
Being a Pom is a personal attack ?
Are you ashamed of being a Pom ?
Or are you the only one allowed to insult the British ?
:rofl::rofl::rofl:

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Your posts just get more hysterical and sillier.

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What’s wrong with being a POM ?
You are on a Pommy site everyday of the week to converse with us POMS ?
You must love us really
:rofl::rofl::rofl:

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This thread is very “Abzorbaring” :grin:

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