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Title: The Impact of Mass Tourism on Santorini: Locals Call for Change

Santorini, the iconic Greek island known for its volcanic beauty and stunning sunsets, has become a victim of its own popularity. As tourism continues to surge in Greece, with an expected record number of visitors in 2024, locals on Santorini are demanding a cap on tourists to preserve their island's natural state and cultural identity.

The influx of visitors is not only straining the island's outdated infrastructure but also driving up housing prices, pricing many residents out of their own homes. In 2023, over 3.4 million tourists visited Santorini, leading to a significant increase in the number of foreign tourists on the island.

In response, local authorities and residents are calling for measures to protect their island from the negative impacts of mass tourism. Mayor Nikos Zorzos has been pushing authorities to limit the number of cruise ship visitors to 8,000 per day, down from around 17,000, and to impose a cap on the total number of tourists allowed on the island.

As more destinations worldwide grapple with the consequences of mass tourism, Santorini serves as a stark example of how too many visitors can impact a place, causing locals to fight for preservation and balance in their communities.