As cruise ship passenger numbers surge, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, European ports find themselves grappling with the profound consequences of these colossal vessels. Transport & Environment reports that the 218 cruise ships operational in Europe in 2022 emitted over four times more SOx than all of the continent's cars, underscoring the urgency of addressing the environmental impact.
Cities like Barcelona, Venice, and Marseille have already implemented measures to tackle the concerns linked to overtourism and pollution, and now Santorini, renowned for its mesmerizing sunsets and striking volcanic landscapes, has strengthened restrictions on cruise companies operating in its waters.
Both tourists and locals on the idyllic Greek island have raised concerns about the cruise industry's effects. With ~2 million annual visitors to Santorini Island, residents lament street congestion and argue that cruise tourists make limited contributions to the local economy. This stance by Santorini reflects a broader movement among European destinations to strike a balance between tourism and preserving the integrity of their cultural and environmental heritage.