The historical study presented in this issue shows that, in the first few decades after World War II, Greeks saw tourism as a blessing – a panacea that would set a country still recovering from the wound of war on the path of growth.
Following the influx of thousands of visitors to places that, in most cases, were not prepared to receive them, they came to see it as a curse. It’s neither of the two. Tourism is a dynamic, constantly evolving sector of the economy with a profound impact on the natural and cultural environment. And preventing it from turning into a self-destructive pursuit of easy profits demands constant effort and attention.
From marinas and helipads – both planned and makeshift – tourism requires regulation and sensitivity, first and foremost from those operating within the industry itself. They are the ones who must take the lead in striking the right balance to safeguard the very “product” they are selling.
