Mass tourism on Corfu: With or without you?

How many tourism academics observe the industry as tourists? Melanie Kay Smith does. Dr Smith enjoys regular trips to the Greek islands. Her experiences and conversations over the past two COVID-affected summers have highlighted to her some of the problems caused by imposed limits on tourism. It’s a “Good Tourism” Insight.

The writing of this piece was prompted by our recent holiday on Corfu, Greece. It was not our first visit. We have often described it as our favourite Greek island.

It was different this year; the second summer season since the advent of COVID. The atmosphere had changed. A sense of melancholy pervaded the air and serving staff seemed either languid or frantic.

Last summer, 2020, in a gap between lockdowns, we were lucky enough to make it to Zakynthos. The season had hardly started when we arrived in late July. Staff were still learning how to manage the restrictions and limitations.

The wearing of masks was compulsory indoors. Tables were spaced out in tavernas. Gaps were left between sunbeds. And the number of visitors was exceptionally low, especially for an island that has relied on mass package tourism.

The experience was wonderful for us. The resorts and beaches were uncrowded, boats were half empty, and the economic impacts of COVID had not yet taken their toll.

More importantly, there was a sense of optimism and relief among our hosts that tourism was possible again and that at least half the peak season would take place.

Exhaustion at half the capacity
One year on, and a very different story could be told ... For the full "Good Tourism" Insight, and free access to all "GT" Insights, please visit https://goodtourismblog.com/2021/09/mass-tourism-on-corfu-with-or-without-you/