Nikos Zorzos emphasized the dire situation in Santorini, stating, "If you destroy the landscape, one as rich as ours, you destroy the very reason people come here in the first place." His warning highlights the impending threat posed by the island's ongoing construction boom linked to overtourism, which may irrevocably alter the island's appeal.
The mayor pointed out that Santorini, housing only 25,000 residents, is already overwhelmed, lamenting, "We don't need any more hotels or any more rented rooms." The rapid increase in tourist accommodations is alarming, pushing the island towards an unsustainable future.
Zorzos noted that around 80,000 hotel beds cater to tourists, which is significant given the island's size. He criticized the recent approvals for development that target tourism investors, amidst a backdrop of severe environmental concerns.
Referring to the effects of overtourism, he indicated, "About a fifth of the southern Aegean island has already been concreted over." This statistic underlines 'runaway development,' highlighting the urgency for action to preserve Santorini's natural beauty and heritage.
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