Despite recent geopolitical shifts and a mixed start to the season, Mykonos, a titan of global tourism, is asserting its enduring appeal.
Insights from Mayor Konstantinos Koukas, Professionals and Entrepreneurs’ Union President Iraklis Simopoulos, and hotelier Maria Kousofana reveal an island leveraging its deep history in tourism, adapting its services, and increasingly welcoming back a crucial demographic: Greek visitors.
Mykonos Mayor: “Stabilization after May dip, cruise sector a stronghold”
Mykonos Mayor Konstantinos Koukas acknowledges that global and national events inevitably impact the island, though less severely due to its established reputation and high-quality services. While May saw a downturn, the situation has now stabilized, leading to an optimistic outlook for the rest of the season.
“It is a fact that in May it did not go very well, while now the situation seems to have stabilized,” Koukas stated to Greek Reporter. He projects a positive close to the season, citing strong interest from cruise ship passengers and villa residents. “July and August will go very well,” he affirmed.
The Mayor emphasized that Mykonos’s distinct advantage lies in its robust cruise ship tourism, with projections of 1 to 1.5 million cruise passengers this year.
These visitors, typically arriving in the morning and departing at night, contribute significantly to the local economy through dining and shopping. Koukas also pointed to the island’s consistent public services – cleanliness, reliable water supply, and overall infrastructure – as key factors in maintaining visitor satisfaction, even amidst broader regional shortages.
He stressed the importance of competitive pricing, noting that while Mykonos is an “expensive island because it provides high-quality services,” adaptability is crucial.
Regarding the slight dip in May, Koukas clarified, “It’s difficult to ascertain whether the slight decline observed in May stemmed from a reduction in high-end visitors or those in the middle-income bracket.” He underscored that high-end visitors continue to frequent the island’s luxury accommodations without issues.
He also referred to the issue of profiteering that has been highlighted in several media reports. “The issue of profiteering stands as a notable exception. These instances, amplified by Mykonos’s high profile, inevitably garner excessive publicity and undeniably harm the island’s esteemed reputation. As a municipality, we have zero tolerance for such practices. Within the scope of our regulatory authority, we are making every effort to mitigate these phenomena,” he told Greek Reporter.
“Mykonos is now a golden opportunity for Greeks”
Iraklis Simopoulos, President of the Professionals and Entrepreneurs’ Union of Mykonos echoed the Mayor’s sentiments on external challenges, including geopolitical events and recent earthquakes in Santorini that had a ripple effect. However, Simopoulos strongly asserts Mykonos’s unique and “timeless” status as a high-level tourist destination, distinguishing it from other Greek locations.
“Mykonos has a distinct tourist product, which is at a very high level,” Simopoulos stated, expressing confidence in a successful season for most businesses despite the difficulties. He emphasized the professional responsibility of local entrepreneurs to ensure visitors have an excellent experience, regardless of volume.
Crucially, Simopoulos clarified the perception of Mykonos’s cost: “Mykonos is not an expensive necessity, it is an expensive choice.” He highlighted the wide range of options available for visitors, catering to various budgets for accommodation, dining, and leisure activities. “If you want to spend a fortune, there is a possibility, but if you want to spend it economically, there is also a possibility,” he explained to Greek Reporter.
Simopoulos also noted a significant increase in Greek visitors this year, partly due to some previously inhabited houses now being available, and partly due to relatively adjusted prices.
He refuted the often-negative portrayal of Mykonos in Greek media, asserting that those familiar with the island know it offers excellent value for money across its diverse offerings. “Mykonos has existed for many years, and it is the destination of visitors from all over the world,” he concluded, emphasizing the island’s long-term resilience.
Hotelier optimistic: “Mykonos’s tourism know-how ensures a strong season”
Maria Kousofana, a local hotelier, reinforced the notion of Mykonos as a “global tourist destination with high-quality tourism services.” She highlighted the island’s “tourism know-how for more than 50 years,” underscoring its long-standing expertise in the industry.
Kousofana acknowledged that the current tourism movement presents unique challenges, linking them to “all that happened in the winter in the other islands of our region” and the broader holiday period. Despite these factors, she expressed strong optimism: “We are very happy… And we believe that it will go very well.”
Echoing Simopoulos, Kousofana confirmed the growing trend of Greek visitors. “We have already seen it,” she stated, indicating that Mykonos is once again attracting a significant number of domestic tourists, a positive shift from previous years.
Mykonos’ tourism sector, while acknowledging the headwinds of geopolitical instability and a slightly slower start to the season, remains confident in its ability to deliver a strong year.
This confidence is rooted in the island’s established reputation for high-quality services, its burgeoning cruise ship sector, robust public infrastructure, and a conscious effort by local professionals to offer diverse pricing options. The increasing return of Greek visitors further strengthens the island’s resilient tourism model.
Related: Record Tourism Numbers Clash With Controversial Cruise Tax on Mykonos
