I read in “Kathimerini” an extremely interesting article by Prof. Stathis Kalivas on the development of Greek tourism and the risks it poses, on the one hand, due to the hypermassification of tourism, and on the other hand, due to the shift of the market towards an audience of extremely high incomes, which means and travel expenses. In the first case, the concern is that the state cannot control, with the help of appropriate infrastructures, a rapid increase in traffic, leading to a glut of road networks, water supply, sanitation, cleaning mechanisms and, ultimately, a deterioration in the quality of life of permanent residents. residents, but also tourists. In the second case, there is concern that this shift is unnecessarily raising the cost of services that go along with swimming in the sea, such as using a sun lounger or accommodation and targeting summer destinations, potentially depriving the average Greek family of enjoying the Greek summer.

Since I completely identify myself with the first part of the problem (massification), I would like to share some thoughts about the second, the “elitization” of the Greek summer. First of all, let’s recognize that each service provided exhibits – and rightly so – a gradation of its quality characteristics, and, consequently, its price. We can, depending on our needs and possibilities, travel on foot, by bus, taxi or rented limousine. So it’s not unreasonable in principle that some cases of summer destinations resemble the limousine rental in our example, both in terms of what they offer (luxury, comfort, etc.) and in terms of their “salty” price. This is probably not very positive, since this opportunity provided by our country makes a significant contribution to GDP and government revenues, usually brings (excess) money in place. Money that, even if it is generated in a particular business, a particular beach of the so-called expensive island, is dispersed throughout the country through the ecosystem of workers and suppliers that support it.

Let’s now see if the Greek tourist market offers the entire gradation of quality – and price. Here, I think, we can feel quite confident and optimistic. Our country has about 15,000 kilometers of coastline (about half of all of Africa!), Of which 5,400 kilometers are occupied by 1,542 officially designated beaches and many more “unofficial” beaches. In particular, the region of Central Greece alone, in addition to its well-known mountain destinations (Parnassus, Evrytania, Oiti, Dirfis), offers 149 marked and around 500 beaches in total from coastal Phokis to Skyros. So, no matter how fast the luxury tourism product grows… we fit in!

The possibility of some very expensive tourist destinations and services provided by our country makes a significant contribution to GDP and government revenues.

But the good news is elsewhere. Most of these hundreds of beaches are a stone’s throw from urban centers and, in our humble opinion, cannot envy the country’s world-famous and arguably impregnable seaside resorts. Even without a strong brand, maybe with thinner sun lounger mattresses and maybe a smaller cocktail list. Or no name at all, with rugs on the sand instead of sunbeds and coffee in a paper cup instead of cocktails. Of course, with the same crystal clear waters, amazing sandy beaches and beautiful landscapes!

Passing with cheerfulness the first ten days of September, let’s enjoy the last summer shoots. On any beach, luxurious or not, from the countless number that the most beautiful country in the world, in which we are lucky enough to live, is endowed with!

* Mr. Fanis Spanos is the Regional Governor of Central Greece.