Greece’s Hoteliers Chief Disputes Claims of Overtourism

Yiannis Hatzis, President of the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation, has challenged the notion that Greece is suffering from overtourism.

In an interview with the Athens News Agency (ANA), Hatzis dismissed concerns over overtourism, arguing that the real issue is outdated and inadequate infrastructure.

Hatzis criticised the focus on overtourism, suggesting it distracts from more pressing problems that could harm Greece’s image and impact local communities negatively. He noted that while arrivals at Greek airports have increased, this growth isn’t reflected in hotel occupancy rates. He attributed this to the surge in short-term rental accommodations.

Discussing the current tourism climate, Hatzis observed a slowdown in bookings for high-end hotels during the peak summer months, with 2024 appearing less dynamic compared to previous years. Data from INSETE shows varied airport passenger increases, with notable decreases at some key destinations like Mykonos and Santorini.

Additionally, recent figures from the Bank of Greece indicate a 12% drop in per capita spending from Eurozone countries and the UK. Hatzis emphasised that visitors are now more cautious with their spending, urging the tourism sector to address any exploitative practices responsibly.