As your travel agent, I want to make sure you are able to experience those places and activities you have always dreamed of. UNESCO World Heritage sites are starting to see more restrictions on visitors in order to preserve the integrity and beauty of the destinations. If you are like many others going to visit Greece, here is an example of new restrictions being put in place for 2024.
The old fortress Acropolis is suffering from tourism, therefore daily visitors are now limited to 20,000. This new restriction might protect the UNESCO World Heritage Site from potential harm caused by visitors.
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Ancient Citadel Acropolis Cuts Down Tourism to 20,000 Daily Visitors in Bid to Preserve UNESCO World Heritage Site (original article by Rich Co, Nature World News)
Tourism for Greece’s Ancient Citadel Acropolis
To ensure the security and long-term viability of the historic landmark, Greece has decided that it will restrict the number of daily visits to the Acropolis.
According to the nation’s cultural minister, Lina Mendoni, the UNESCO World Heritage site in Athens would only allow 20,000 visitors each day beginning in September.
Mendoni stated that the move is being implemented as a trial after research by the government’s Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development.
According to her, the site presently welcomes approximately 23,000 visitors every day, and she considers this to be a significant number.
Mendoni continued to express that although tourism undoubtedly brings advantages to the country and its inhabitants, it is crucial to find ways to prevent any detrimental impact on the monument caused by excessive tourism.
The ancient citadel, built on a rocky hill in the 5th century BC, houses numerous historic ruins, structures, and artifacts, among which the renowned Parthenon temple dedicated to the goddess Athena holds the utmost prominence.
Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site vs. Overtourism
According to UNESCO, the Acropolis, and its monuments make up
the world’s largest architectural, as well as artistic complex from Greek antiquity.
The website is accessible every day from 8 AM to 8 PM, although according to Mendoni, half of the visitors typically arrive between 8 AM and midday.
According to Mendoni, this arrangement produces uncomfortable conditions for the location, the guests, and the employees who are attempting to handle this large number of people.
To prevent delays, Mendoni stated that the administration intends to establish hourly visiting limitations.
She stated, for instance, that from 8 to 9 AM, 3,000 persons will be allowed entry, followed by 2,000 from 9 to 10 AM.
The number restriction will change throughout the course of the day but will remain in effect from the moment the site opens until it closes.
Mendoni claimed that by taking this action, the government will be able to safeguard the monument and improve the entire experience for tourists.
She added that starting in early September, the new system will be tested; according to state broadcaster ERT, this trial will start on Monday, September 4.
Furthermore, Mendoni said that the limits will then be put into effect on April 1 in time for the summer of 2024, CNN reports.
