Overtourism: Causes, Consequences, and Sustainable Solutions

Abstract

The problem of over-tourism is a concern for many major tourist destinations throughout the globe,
especially those with limited ecological and spatial capacities. This study addresses the problems of
Mykonos and Santorini, two of the most well-known Greek Islands in the world, both experiencing
extreme seasonal crowding due to excessive tourism pressure. The study uses second-hand data from
official sources (Bank of Greece; ELSTAT; Fraport Greece) and evaluates the primary reasons for over
tourism (cruise ship traffic, uncontrolled short-term rentals and lack of adequate infrastructure). The
findings indicate that although tourism has generated significant economic benefits, it has also led to
environmental degradation, housing shortages, and declining quality of life for residents. A number of
policy recommendations are proposed as part of this research, which seek to improve sustainable
tourism practices by implementing regulatory changes, investing in new infrastructure and developing
partnerships between stakeholders. The ultimate goal of these suggestions is to develop a balanced
model for sustainable tourism, which will help ensure the long-term viability of the tourist industry and
the viability of the local community.
Keywords: Overtourism, Sustainable Tourism, Mykonos, Santorini, Tourism Policy 
JEL Classification Codes: Z32, Q01, R58