Title: Rising Costs Leave Greeks Seeking Affordable Beach Getaways
PORTO RAFTI, Greece (AP) — As Greece’s tourism industry thrives, locals are navigating a landscape of soaring prices and stagnant wages, transforming vacation dreams into day trips. Athenians like Diamantoula Vassiliou, carrying plastic coolers and homemade meals, are among thousands flocking to Avlaki Beach this month, fulfilling summer ambitions amid financial constraints.
While foreign tourism is projected to quadruple arrivals against Greece’s population of 10 million, nearly half of Greeks were unable to afford a week-long holiday last year, placing them second highest in the EU, according to recent data. This trend reflects the surge of luxury accommodations that have replaced once-accessible guesthouses.
Furthermore, the tourism sector accounts for about 12% of Greece’s economy, but as businesses focus on foreign visitors, opportunities for local workers to enjoy their own vacations diminish. Many Greeks return to nostalgic practices such as packing meals and relying on public transport to keep costs down.
Concerns over "holiday poverty" are growing across Europe, with locals expressing frustration over unattainable prices for basic beach amenities, prompting a shift back to simpler vacation strategies. As retiree Nikos Margaritis remarked, “Someone who has worked 35 or 40 years should receive more support.”
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
