Santorini Proposes Tourist Cap Amid Concerns

Santorini, Greece, is grappling with the challenges of mass tourism as around 3.4 million visitors flocked to the island last year, overwhelming its infrastructure and impacting local residents' quality of life. Many locals express frustration, arguing that the once-idyllic island has been tarnished by the influx of tourists, leading to calls for a cap on visitor numbers, particularly cruise ship passengers, which currently peak at 17,000 daily. Mayor Nikos Zorzos has advocated for limiting cruise ship visitors to 8,000 per day to protect the island's integrity. Business owners are also concerned, noting that their living standards have declined despite the tourism boom. While some argue that careful planning could manage the influx, the sentiment among many residents is clear: the island risks losing its natural beauty and charm. Protests against excessive tourism are not unique to Santorini, as similar movements are seen in other popular destinations like Venice and Barcelona.