Overtourism threatens Greek islands’ appeal

​​​​​​​By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Overtourism is threatening the appeal of Greek islands, a report said Thursday that was cited by the Kathimerini newspaper.

The report by the National Bank of Greece said around €35 billion ($40.6), €15 billion more than current levels, in investments are needed over the next decade to modernize transport, energy, water and waste systems in the islands, underlining frequent power and water outages, inadequate sewage systems, insufficient parking, poor roads, and outdated ports during tourism season.

Without the upgrades, the islands’ “carrying capacity” could be compromised, it said.

The report urged a full reinvestment of fees collected by the islands’ municipalities, a mobilization of private capital, EU grants and European Investment Bank loans.

Without effective governance, the resources would remain trapped in plans instead of becoming functioning infrastructure, it added.