Mayor Christos Veronis speaks to Tornos News from London about this year’s season, the cruise sector, infrastructure projects, and the need for rational spatial planning
By Viki Tryfona
“This year went very well,” says the Mayor of Mykonos, Christos Veronis, on the sidelines of the World Travel Market in London, explaining that despite a cautious start in May, “from June 10 onwards, things changed dramatically.”
The figures are revealing: total arrivals increased from 1.6 million in 2023 to 1.8 million this year, with port arrivals reaching 1.028 million (up from 875,000 last year). In contrast, air arrivals remained almost stable at 727,000.
Cruise tourism played a significant role. “Up until October, cruises kept Mykonos alive. Three or four ships bring 10,000–15,000 visitors a day. The entire town operates,” notes the mayor, emphasizing that “it is wrong to say cruise passengers only leave behind garbage. Most of them eat out, shop, swim on the beaches—they make a real contribution to the local economy.”
“No” to the €20 cruise passenger tax for Mykonos and Santorini
Mr. Veronis is openly opposed to the €20 cruise passenger fee that applies to Mykonos and Santorini. “A family of four cannot be expected to pay €80 for Santorini and another €80 for Mykonos,” he says pointedly.
While acknowledging the need for a fee to cover cleaning and infrastructure costs, he stresses that “it must be reasonable, €3 or €5, as in Rhodes.” As he points out, “Venice charges €5, Barcelona €7. I support the idea of a fee, but within logical limits.”
Infrastructure projects and a new era of development
The mayor outlines an extensive program of works worth tens of millions of euros aimed at upgrading the island. “We have begun a €6 million road construction project for resurfacing and opening new roads, while a new connector road is being studied to link the southern beaches with the port and airport,” he states.
The Mykonos Water and Sewerage Company (DEYA Mykonou) is proceeding with major sewage projects, including plans for full coverage of Ano Mera, while a new desalination plant is being designed. At the same time, “the Municipal Port Fund is studying new platforms in Tourlos and a pedestrian walkway connecting the two ports.”
Upgrades also extend to social infrastructure: “We are beginning construction of new schools and expansions of kindergartens. Mykonos has over 2,500 children,” says the mayor, adding that “in summer, about 40,000 people live and work on the island.”
In sports, renovations have been completed at the indoor gymnasium, upgrades at the Korfos football field are being funded, and a new indoor swimming pool is underway with a private donation exceeding €2 million.
Restoring Mykonos’ reputation
The mayor emphasizes that the image of Mykonos has changed dramatically over the past two years.
“The situation had gotten out of control. The island had gained the reputation of a place of thugs and drugs. But since last year, thanks to the intervention of the Ministry of Citizen Protection and the strengthening of the police force, that has ended,” he says.
“Mykonos today is safe and clean. Everyone says so—it may be the cleanest island in Greece, despite the huge number of visitors it receives.”
For Mr. Veronis, Mykonos must reinvest in its positive image. “I believe in continuous promotion. I don’t agree with the notion that ‘Mykonos doesn’t need advertising.’ We must participate in exhibitions, have a presence, and meet with agents,” he explains.
He notes that Mykonos caters to every type of visitor, “from young people seeking affordable, clean accommodation to travelers looking for luxury and gastronomic tourism.”
“Urban planning must be moved out of Mykonos”
Referring to illegal constructions and the new spatial plan, the mayor speaks candidly.
“The urban planning department is barely functioning. We have two or three employees handling public works and complaints at the same time. That’s impossible,” he says. For him, the solution is clear: “If it cannot be staffed properly, it must be moved out of Mykonos and operate centrally. There is no other way.”
At the same time, he expresses strong disagreement with the new spatial plan being drafted: “The new plan is wrong. It sets Mykonos at 8 and 30 stremmas (acreage thresholds for building). Those who bought 4 stremmas can neither build nor merge plots (because it’s not financially viable). Already 55% of the island is non-buildable. If these restrictions are added, locals will be forced to sell cheaply. Mykonos cannot become a Pacific island.”
“Mykonos can offer everything”
Mr. Veronis summarizes his vision for the island in one sentence:
“Mykonos has the history, culture, and infrastructure to offer everything—from tradition and hospitality to luxury and international prestige. The challenge is to maintain balance.”
