Greece, a popular tourist destination, is facing a growing conflict between locals and the tourism industry over the use of beaches. In a bid to address the concerns of residents, the Greek government has implemented new rules and is using advanced technology to crack down on the "illegal" use of sunbeds on the country's idyllic beaches this summer.
The problem has been simmering for years, with a so-called "beach towel movement" emerging last year as thousands of Greeks protested against the extortionate prices charged by businesses to use sun loungers and other beach furniture. Angry locals have accused businesses, particularly luxury resorts, of essentially creating private beaches on public land and pricing out ordinary citizens.
To combat this, the government has introduced new regulations that require umbrellas and deck chairs to be at least four metres from the sea, and for bars and hotels to have a licence to put out any beach furniture. Up to 70% of Greek beaches must now be free from sunbeds, with protected areas required to be 85% free.
To enforce these rules, Greece is deploying drones, satellites, and a new app called MyCoast, which allows the public to report any violations. Drone footage has already captured rows of sunbeds on the popular Halkidki peninsula, with authorities using the images to identify businesses operating without the necessary permits.
The crackdown has been welcomed by many locals, such as pensioner Evgenia Rapti, who has witnessed the dramatic transformation of her local beach near Pefkochori. "The whole beach has been taken over" by tables, chairs, and deckchairs, she laments, recalling how the beach was once "empty and nice to lie there" when she bought her home 40 years ago.
However, the implementation of the new rules has not been without its challenges. Tourism operators have complained that the state services handling their applications are severely understaffed, leading to delays and uncertainty. Some businesses have even continued to operate without the necessary licenses, highlighting the difficulties in enforcing the new regulations.
The conflict highlights the broader tensions between Greece's desire to attract tourists and the need to protect the country's natural and cultural heritage for its own citizens. As Greece experiences a post-pandemic tourist boom, with nearly 33 million visitors in 2022, the government will need to strike a delicate balance between supporting the vital tourism industry and addressing the concerns of local communities.