Greece’s chambers of commerce are calling for emergency state aid for coastal businesses hit by swarms of mauve jellyfish, warning that tourism cancellations are battering revenues across the North Euboean and Maliakos gulfs.
The Union of Greek Chambers, known as KEEE, said the outbreak has dealt a severe blow to hotels, restaurants, leisure operators and marine recreation firms in the region, undermining the peak summer season and threatening the survival of family-run enterprises.
In an urgent appeal to relevant ministries, KEEE President Ioannis Voutsinas called for immediate support measures, including working capital subsidies, coverage of operating costs and emergency financial instruments to help preserve jobs and stabilize local supply chains.
“Timely mobilization is vital to shield the professionals, workers and families who depend entirely on summer tourism,” Mr. Voutsinas said.
“Through coordinated action among all state agencies, we can mitigate these environmental impacts and safeguard the developmental momentum of these coastal economies.”
Marine tracking maps have confirmed large concentrations of the stinging Pelagia noctiluca species across beaches in the Euboean, Maliakos and Pagasetic gulfs, areas heavily dependent on summer visitors.
Local business owners say the fallout is already being felt in cancelled bookings, lower foot traffic and falling income.
They warn that without swift government intervention, the disruption could leave lasting damage well beyond the current season.
The chambers’ demand adds pressure on authorities to respond to what began as an environmental phenomenon but has quickly become an economic emergency for some of Greece’s most tourism-dependent communities.
