In Greece, dozens of holidaymakers were forced to wade into the sea to get off the ferry.
In swimsuits, with water up to their waists and bags on their shoulders… Photos posted on social media show tourists forced to take the boat to reach Balos beach on the island of Crete. According to eyewitnesses who recounted the scene in local media, children and elderly people had to stay on board, for fear of jumping.
“Only about 40 people got off the boat, and everyone came back angry and disappointed,” explains an American tourist. Zarbanios.
The Greek government has recently taken a series of measures to try to stop overtourism in certain areas. Among them is a ban on boat docks to prevent holidaymakers from descending in large numbers on Balos. This lake is famous for its white sands, turquoise waters and sheltering rare animals and plants with protected status.
“It is worrying that the government prevents boats from docking in Balos Bay but allows them to stop 10 metres away,” said a tourist on TripAdvisor, quoting TripAdvisor. daily Mail British. This rule seems ridiculous and seriously affects the experience. »
Return of the platform
Complete transformation after these somewhat embarrassing images were broadcast. “The floating platform was removed by order of the Ministry of Environment. However, the images we saw raised serious concerns and the municipality contacted the ministry regarding its recovery.”
“It’s not just about safety, it’s about reputation as well. Balos is one of the most beautiful places in Greece and we have to ensure the best possible experience for everyone,” he added.
Greece, which suffered a public debt crisis in 2008, has been able to recover thanks to tourism. The country is now close to an overdose. In 2023, it will welcome more than 32 million people, more than three times its population, a record number, allowing it to generate revenues of 20.5 billion euros. And this despite a long heat wave and devastating fires.
The government is aware that overtourism on some islands risks destroying the reason why holidaymakers go there and putting pressure on infrastructure, especially water resources. However, it must strike the right balance so as not to scare away foreign investors.