The last Greek summer | eKathimerini.com

Title: The Elusive Greek Summer: A Changing Landscape for Locals

Subtitle: Increasingly Expensive and Out of Reach for Many Greeks

Date: June 19, 2023

Image Source: Reuters

Image Description: A man enjoys the solitude on an undeveloped Greek beach, in a file photo. The ‘typical’ Greek summer experience is becoming increasingly elusive for many locals. [REUTERS]

Athens, Greece – As foreign tourists flood the streets of Athens and popular Greek destinations, the “typical” Greek summer experience is becoming increasingly elusive for many locals. While news bulletins celebrate another triumphant tourism season, there is a more complex reality lurking behind the scenes.

According to a recent study, almost half of Greeks cannot afford a one-week holiday this summer. For those who can, around half will be staying with friends or retreating to their own summer homes. This trend, which briefly paused during the pandemic, highlights a shift in the Greek tourism product, increasingly catering to foreign travelers. The once cherished notion of a long holiday at a beautiful Greek location is gradually becoming an elusive dream for most locals.

The rise in foreign arrivals over the past decade has contributed to this transformation. The influx of tourists has brought about a range of problems, including the displacement of locals from neighborhoods now dominated by Airbnb rentals, soaring rental rates that push out residents, the erosion of the character of popular destinations, and a declining quality of life for those who remain.

Furthermore, the infrastructure in places not designed to handle large numbers of visitors is buckling under the strain. Despite renovations and increased accommodation capacity, the road networks, energy, water, sewage, and waste management systems remain ill-equipped to support the growing tourism demands.

Locals across Greece are attempting to capitalize on the tourism boom by maximizing every available space to accommodate as many visitors as possible. However, this approach often leads to a disregard for laws and the environment, resulting in a deteriorating experience for tourists and a potential collapse of the destination’s brand.

The loss of the “Greek summer” raises questions about the nation’s identity and what remains if this cherished experience slips further out of reach. Foreign visitors still yearn to experience the Greek summer as locals did in the past, recognizing it as a great way to spend a holiday. However, for Greeks, this type of holiday is not merely a habit or custom; it is an integral part of their identity.

Lazing on the beach, swimming in the sea, dining at a taverna, strolling through picturesque seaside towns, and enjoying ice cream at the harbor are experiences that hold deep meaning for Greeks. Beyond occasional athletic triumphs, these shared experiences form a sense of community in a nation characterized by diverse families sharing the same geographical space.

The increasing inaccessibility of the Greek summer experience for many Greeks will undoubtedly have consequences. It represents a collective trauma and threatens to unravel the fabric of Greek national and societal identity.

As Greece grapples with the challenges posed by an evolving tourism landscape, it is crucial to strike a balance that preserves the essence of the Greek summer while ensuring the well

Calilo resort greece price

Ine in the quality of life for many Greeks. The Greek summer, once a time of relaxation and connection to nature, is now overshadowed by overcrowded beaches, increased prices, and a lack of accessibility for locals.

The current situation in Greece reflects a broader trend of “roots tourism,” where tourists flock to their ancestral countries in search of connection and identity. This phenomenon has been explored in a recent report on roots tourism in Italy, which sheds light on the experiences of Italian descendants around the world. The report, titled “First Report on Roots Tourism in Italy,” examines the motivations and experiences of Italian descendants seeking to connect with their roots in Italy.

Authored by Sonia, the report pays tribute to her mother, who helped her understand the significance of finding a new home abroad. With 248 pages of citations from interviews with Italian descendants, this comprehensive report provides valuable insights into the roots tourism industry.

While the report focuses on Italy, its findings may offer some parallels to the Greek situation. The increasing popularity of roots tourism in Italy suggests that similar forces may be at play in Greece. As foreign tourists flood Greek destinations, locals are feeling the impact of rising prices and a changing landscape. The Greek summer experience, once a source of joy and pride for locals, is now slipping out of reach for many.

As the Greek tourism industry caters more and more to foreign travelers, it is vital to address the concerns of locals and find ways to preserve the unique character of Greek destinations. This may involve measures to regulate Airbnb rentals, protect affordable housing for residents, and ensure that tourism development is sustainable and respectful of the local communities.

In conclusion, the article explores the changing landscape of the Greek summer, highlighting its increasing inaccessibility and expense for many Greeks. Drawing upon the parallels with roots tourism in Italy, it emphasizes the need to address the concerns of locals and protect the unique character of Greek destinations. By doing so, Greece can strive to find a balance between catering to foreign tourists and preserving the essence of its own culture and heritage.