Declining Tourism: Mykonos and Santorini Experience a Significant Drop in Visitors

Contrary to expectations, the data so far regarding tourist arrivals in Mykonos is surprising, considering that all indications pointed to this summer exceeding all tourism expectations on the Island of the Winds. However, the arrivals recorded both in April and May contradict this estimation.

Specifically, based on the current data, the decline in the island’s tourism product ranges between 15-25% and affects the island as a whole, according to information from hoteliers and business owners in the hospitality and general market. “It is true that we haven’t seen the expected movement so far. There is definitely a significant decline that affects businesses on the island as a whole,” informs us the team of kinglikeconcierge.com, one of the largest villa rental agencies on the island.

As for the cause of the decline, the travel partners of major hotel complexes are clear and state that the significant increases in both available accommodations and services provided on the island, in general, are to blame. This results in the perception that the value created exceeds all limits, and prospective tourists are looking for alternative destinations.

It should be noted that as the first quarter of the season has already passed, disappointment has led many interested parties on the island to lower prices. However, no one can predict to what extent last-minute reductions can reverse the situation.

A characteristic of the prevailing climate on the island is that the market focuses on extending the tourist season until November in order to make up for the losses of the first quarter.

Finally, it is worth noting that Santorini, apart from Mykonos, also saw a significant drop in tourist numbers for the same period, following in Mykonos’ footsteps, as it has gained a reputation in recent years as an excessively expensive destination.