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 Christos Veronis, Professionals and Entrepreneurs’ Union President Iraklis Zisimopoulos, and hotelier Maria Kousathana 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 Christos Veronis 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,” Veronis said in speaking 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’ distinct advantage lies in its robust cruise ship tourism, with projections of one to one and a half million cruise passengers this year.
These visitors, who typically arrive in the morning and depart at night, contribute significantly to the local economy through dining and shopping. Veronis 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, Veronis 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 matter of profiteering that has been highlighted in several media reports. “The issue of profiteering stands as a notable exception. These instances, amplified by Mykonos’ 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.
“We’re actively working to enrich and diversify Mykonos’ tourism appeal. We’re not just relying on our well-known strengths—our stunning natural landscapes, beautiful sea, and legendary entertainment. We’re also showcasing new, less-explored facets like our vibrant culture, incredible gastronomy, and diverse water sports,” the Mayor explained.
“Our aim is to forge a new tourism identity for Mykonos, ensuring it captivates both international and local audiences. This means presenting Mykonos as a quality, safe, inviting, accessible, and distinctive destination,” he added. “This rebranding is a core mission for our municipality, complementing the private sector’s already exceptional performance in hospitality, dining, and entertainment.”
“Mykonos is now a golden opportunity for Greeks”
Iraklis Zisimopoulos, the president of the Professionals and Entrepreneurs’ Union of Mykonos, echoed the Mayor’s sentiments on external challenges, including geopolitical events and recent earthquakes on Santorini that had a ripple effect. However, Zisimopoulos highlighted Mykonos’ unique and “timeless” status as a high-end tourist destination, distinguishing it from other Greek locations.
“Mykonos has a distinct tourist product, which is at a very high level,” Zisimopoulos stated, expressing confidence in a successful season for most businesses despite difficulties. He emphasized the professional responsibility of local entrepreneurs in ensuring visitors have an excellent experience, regardless of volume.
Crucially, Zisimopoulos clarified the perception of Mykonos’ 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.
Zisimopoulos also noted a significant increase in Greek visitors this year, partly due to some previously inhabited houses now becoming 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.
Hoteliers optimistic: “Mykonos’ tourism know-how ensures a strong season”
Maria Kousathana, 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 over 50 years,” underscoring its long-standing expertise in the industry.
Kousathana acknowledged that the current tourism movement presents unique challenges, linking them to “all that happened in the winter on the other islands of our region” and the broader tourist season. Despite these factors, she expressed strong optimism: “We are very happy…And we believe that it will go very well.”
Echoing Zisimopoulos, Kousathana 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 do well in terms of tourism this year.
Such 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.
Vangelis Daktylides, Co-Owner & Managing Director of the Myconian Collection Hotels, says Mykonos is a place you can’t fully describe without feeling it. Even if you tried to hide its beauty, you couldn’t. It’s in the crystal-clear waters, the whitewashed villages where time seems to stand still, the traditions that keep the island’s soul alive, and the warmth of its people.
“For our family, running 15 five-star hotels here has always been about more than hospitality. Every year, we invest in quality, in new experiences, and in sharing what makes Mykonos truly unique. Our vision is simple: a destination where sophistication meets soul, and luxury lives side by side with simplicity,” he told Greek Reporter.
Beyond the parties and the glamour, there’s another Mykonos worth discovering. You can visit a traditional farm, light a candle in a tiny chapel, enjoy a home-cooked meal in a family-run taverna, or take a boat trip to sacred Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. These are the moments that stay with you, he added.
“Our guests return year after year because they know we care about the details. We raise the bar every season, always aiming to give a little more, and always with genuine respect for the people who choose to spend their time with us. Mykonos remains one of the most magical places on earth—not because of trends or headlines, but because of its heart. And with each passing year, that heart only grows stronger,” Daktylides stressed.
Source:
greekreporter.com
https://greekreporter.com/2025/07/07/mykonos-navigates-evolving-tourism-landscape/