The great majority on a panel of 23 Greek economists agree that a significant part of tax revenue from tourism should be earmarked to improve infrastructure in tourist areas.
According to data provided by the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE), the direct contribution of the tourism sector to the Greek economy reached €30.2 billion in 2024 or 13% of Greece’s gross domestic product and, if one include the higher activity in other sectors because of tourism, the contribution exceeds 30% of GDP, INSETE says.
Also, according to the Bank of Greece, more than 40 million visited the country in 2024; this influx is a strain on local infrastructure, from water provision to waste management.
In many popular destinations, especially on the islands, emergency solutions, such as specialized ships bringing in water from other places, are necessary.
Asked about earmarking a significant portion of tourism revenue to improve and develop local infrastructure in popular tourist destinations, 16 of the panel’s 23 economists agreed, four disagreed and three proposed intermediate solutions.
Most noted that priority should be given to managing the environmental cost of tourism.
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