Greece, 10.6 million inhabitants, welcomed a record 72.6 million passengers to its airports last year, according to data announced this week by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
That is to say a jump in this traffic of more than 13.2% compared to the pre-Covid period, during which, already, the country was flying from record to record.
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And further testimony to the tourist influx experienced by Greece - a large majority of the 33 million visitors recorded in 2023 arrive by plane.
On site, this frenetic growth is beginning to seriously worry heritage and environmental defenders and residents, while the authorities try to direct tourists towards less popular periods, autumn or winter.
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Measures for 2024
Ubuesque additions to Mykonos, free beach movement triggered by residents in the Cyclades in particular, ancient site of the Acropolis of Athens overflowing with tourists to the point of setting gauges, opposition from residents of Amorgos to the new port project. .. In a country where tourism now accounts for a quarter of GDP, occupies almost one job in five and generates more than 20 billion in revenue according to figures also revealed this week by the Bank of Greece, the controversies have continued last year.
At the same time, the Hellenic Republic was once again hit by heatwave episodes of unprecedented intensity and devastating fires in summer, a period which represents the peak of attendance, particularly on the islands.
Among the measures already announced and effective, Santorini limits the number of daily passengers disembarking from cruise ships, while in 2024, entry prices to 350 archaeological sites and museums will soar.