“Hellish summer in Greece.” Tourists complain: “It’s too hot”

The summer season in Greece began with an unprecedented heat wave in June. It appears that climate change is creating a significant problem for the country in the tourism industry.

This is clearly demonstrated by recent cases of deaths from environmental exposure. At least ten tourists have gone missing or been found dead in Greece in recent weeksresembles Greek edition eKathimerini. And the American weekly news magazine Newsweek has already called the summer in Greece “hellish.”

A tragic series of deaths and disappearances occurred at a time when a heat wave has swept the countrythe temperature in some places reached and even exceeded 40°C. One of the tourists who returned from the Acropolis says:

“It was definitely too hot. We walked around but couldn't stay long. We decided to take a taxi back [в отель]. [Жара] became completely unbearable.”

Greece still remembers last year's rise in temperatures, which aggravated devastating forest fires, dust storms, and irregular rains caused catastrophic floods. How heat kills peopleour publication reported the other day. Chief meteorologist of the National Meteorological Service of Greece Panos Yiannopoulos says:

“In the 20th century, we never had a heat wave before June 19th. There have been several in the 21st century, but none before June 15.”

During peak heat periods, authorities take certain safety measures to minimize possible risks, including closing schools, limiting in-person work for government employees and organizing air-conditioned premises for the population.

Greece is expecting unprecedented numbers of visitors amid record temperatures. The country is expected to welcome 35 million tourists this year, up 7% from 2023. The intense heat has prompted authorities to take certain measures: emergency services have been stationed in tourist areas, water bottles have been distributed and access to archaeological sites has been restricted during peak heat hours. Authorities continue to warn residents and tourists against strenuous activity in extreme weather conditions. Petros Vasilakis, a spokesman for the South Aegean Police, commented on the fatalities in June:

“There is a common pattern. They all went on a hike in high temperatures.”

Heat waves not only affect the comfort of visiting Greece, but also cause minor disruptions in tourist routes. There is a crisis in the industry that is struggling with these conditions. If such heat waves continue, many experts believe, or even worsen, the consequences for tourism will be significant. Greece will become an unsuitable destination for those interested in active holidays.

The tourism industry has already suffered this year, with archaeological sites forced to close during the hottest part of the day in some cases. And the inconvenience of having to reschedule site visits is just the tip of the problem. News outlets note that tourists are now not just making their way to ancient ruins, they are making their way through the dangers of modern climate change.

Traveler Sophie, who goes by @tzatchickie and has more than 120,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram, offered reassurance to other travelers worried about recent tragedies:

“We are in the middle of the second heat wave in three weeks in Greece. It is very hot… But if you are going to Greece in the summer, don't plan on endless hiking or visiting archaeological sites. Wear a hat, take sunscreen and drink plenty of water. We are travelling in our own car, so it is actually a good idea to travel during the day with [кондиционером] “In the car and on the boat! We do everything the Greek way: go to the beach after 4pm, sometimes even 7pm. No real activity from noon to 4pm, except driving with the air conditioning on for coffee or lunch…”.

Sophie also writes, continuing the story of her journey:

“All the influencers posting about Greece have shared their heat warnings. We all agree. Most people who comment also agree. During the first heat wave we visited some places such as the castle and Ancient Olympia, but only after 17:00. It was still hot, but the castle was closed from 13:00 to 17:00 by government order, which is great, as it should be. Of course there are always people who have a different opinion or do something differently. I saw a lot of people riding their bikes on mountain roads from noon to 2 p.m…. That's crazy in my opinion.”

Videos of sweaty tourists trying to beat 40-degree heat have taken over TikTok. 'I was walking around the Acropolis [во время] midday siesta. I got heatstroke,” one user commented. Another captioned a video of himself in the heat: “Currently not breathing in 40 degree heat in Greece.”

The weather has undoubtedly taken its toll on workers in the tourism industry.. Fast food owner Elisabeth Robu complains:

“We have no choice, this is the beginning of the tourist season. We have air conditioning and fans and staff are allowed to take breaks, but unfortunately the climate crisis is already here.”

Greeks and travelers familiar with Greece will tell you that high temperatures have always been part of the Greek summereven if not at the current level. As one local said: “Please do not go hiking when the temperature is between 35 and 40 degrees – it is dangerous! In Greece, it is time for the beach, not for hiking or walking!”

Source link