- Greece’s island infrastructure struggles are now public thanks to outspoken hoteliers
- Overcrowding, spotty services, and housing shortages hit both locals and tourists
- Hoteliers demand substantial EU policy changes to protect island life and tourism
- Poor island connectivity and infrastructure now threaten Greece’s image as a tourist haven.
Hoteliers Call Out Greece’s Island Infrastructure Emergency
At a recent European Parliament gathering, high-profile hoteliers exposed failures in Greece’s island infrastructure. This public reveal came from Yiannis Hatzis, the no-nonsense president of the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (POX). In July 2025, Hatzis used a session hosted by Greek MEP Vangelis Meimarakis, with his SEARICA Intergroup credentials, to demand a complete EU strategy tailored for the islands.
Hatzis put it bluntly. The facts are hard to ignore:
- Over 227 inhabited Greek islands house 15% of the population
- These islands act as Europe’s maritime borders, not just sunbathing spots
- Healthcare, schools, and daily essentials are unreliable at best
- Many island issues stay invisible to outsiders (yes, even repeat visitors)
“Life on islands is not easy,” Hatzis said. “Access to healthcare, education and basic infrastructure is fragile in ways that remain invisible to most. And yet, the cost of living is high: the same litre of milk, the same kilowatt-hour of electricity, the same bag of cement cost much more than on the mainland. Despite the difficulties, our islands perform functions that are absolutely crucial to the common European interest. They are gateways for cross-border flows, hubs for seasonal work, critical points for energy flows and maritime transport. And their ability to cope with these functions – despite pressures such as irregular migration and climate disruption – is today under threat,” he added.
With tourism taking up about a third of Greece’s GDP, hoteliers have had enough. These islands aren’t just postcard material. They’re crowded crossroads, pressure points for labour, energy, and border security. Tack on unpredictable migration and climate stress. It’s a recipe for both local frustration and tourist disappointment.
Tourism vs. Crumbling Island Infrastructure: What’s At Stake?
Hoteliers spelt out how the infrastructure mess affects more than just the locals. The islands have turned into economic engines:
- Island tourism accounts for two-thirds of Greece’s total tourism revenue.
- Tourism supports construction, agriculture, energy, and shipping industries alike.
Yet as demand grows, so have the problems:
- Housing is scarce, with rentals being snapped up by vacationers and locals being pushed out.
- Infrastructure upgrades lag, so services buckle during peak seasons.
- Unchecked development claws at communities, dividing neighbourhoods.
- Junky transport options and infrequent sea connections frustrate everyone.
- High VAT rates and a surge in short-term rentals drive up costs for residents.
Hoteliers didn’t bother sugarcoating it. Without focused investment, more thoughtful planning, or stronger connections, Greece’s islands may hit a wall. Residents face a crunch on public services and affordable housing. The result? More resistance to tourists, less character, and a slow fade from the dreamy image sold worldwide.
What Needs Fixing? The Hoteliers’ Checklist
- Reliable, year-round ferry and sea routes connecting the islands and the mainland
- Affordable housing for locals, not just tourist-ready rental stock
- Investments in clean water, power, waste, and transport infrastructure
- Real policy changes from the EU, not polite applause
- Regulation on short-term rentals and smarter tax rates
Hoteliers made their case crystal clear: if these issues are ignored, both the charm and economic stability of Greece’s islands will wither. The call for “smart, targeted policies” wasn’t just talk—it’s become a survival plan.
For anyone still seeing only beaches and blue skies, know this: without a serious fix to island infrastructure, “Greek island life” could lose its appeal fast, for visitors and locals alike.
