Athens’ mayor Haris Doukas shares their frustrations. In June, he claimed that each tourist brings just €0.40 to the city’s coffers (a figure that presumably overlooks indirect revenues), potentially opening the door to a new tourist tax.
On the Greek islands, patience is wearing similarly thin. Home to just 16,000 residents, the volcanic island of Santorini is expected to draw more than 3 million smartphone-wielding visitors this year, bringing the island’s streets to a virtual standstill.
Local mayor Nikos Zorzos has called for a daily cap on cruise-ship visitors, equivalent to around half of current numbers (17,000). Judging by comments online, locals would like to see him go even further.
“Santorini is a perfect example of where cruise tourists don’t pay overnight taxes, eat on their cruise ships, and only contribute a few bucks to the local economy – all while flooding the streets,” says Gilbert Ott, travel expert and editor of travel blog God Save The Points.
South Korea
Annual visitors: 17.5 million
Given the worldwide craze for Korean pop culture, it’s perhaps no surprise that the East Asian country is experiencing a tourism frenzy. Even so, the numbers are staggering – arrivals are reportedly up 73 per cent in one year alone.
In Seoul, the historic enclave of Bukchon Hanok Village has been designated the city’s first “special management area”, with restrictions on tourist numbers and unwieldy coaches. “It’s a residential area that has been swarmed by noisy and disrespectful visitors, leading to locals moving out,” says Joe McPherson, founder of tour providers ZenKimchi.