Malia, Crete; often regarded as the Ibiza of Greece, has been the destination point for thousands of British tourists for the last several years. These tourists, most of whom are under 30, have crossed the line and made the local population who reside in the area furious. Residents, local business owners, hotel operators and even the mayor of the town blocked off the main highway in the area; demanding that order be restored to the town.
According to locals, the young tourists are trashing the area; preforming sex in public areas, and get over intoxicated.
What do the residents of Malia want? A stricter code at bars with the amount of alcohol served, a more firm police force in the area, and a government crack down on tourism agencies that promote the area for its partying atmosphere.
DF: This has happened to other parts of Greece and while its OK to have a fun time you have to be respectful of your surroundings. Has anyone been to Malia?
Reuters
Malia UK (UK site all about Malia.)
posted on Thursday, July 26
Travel
Socrates... ......What happened and what is happening is quite easily explained.
1. The British have enough Americanized habits in terms of the mentality to fall for the "More is Better" + "SuperSize Me".
Hence, when the 5 for 1 deal is offered, no one thinks twice.
2.There is currently a serious problem with the quanity and quality of law inforcment.
Why doesnt the Governement want to bring more officers to Malia.
a)most properties are built illegally; most clubs are way too loud.
Hence much Black money.
Both of which are quite easily justified considering. a)Its almost impossible to do things legally around here. The system forces you to take loopholes and so the cycle continues. (But Not Impossible).
5 officers can turn a blind eye on the illegalities of malia, but it would be quite different if there were many.
What then. If organized correctly, not all the clubs would have to be closed at the same time.
Why hasnt Privately opererated security been successfull or further pursued?
So...No. I wouldnt say "The English" are the problem. They simply and nievely take what is given to them. be it a bottle of Ouzo and a Quad. (Gourouna) . Or a "HeadFukar".
Law enforcement serves for many purposes.
I think the main purpose that woud serve the most benifit in Malia's case would be: when intoxicated, you need a very good reason not to do something stupid.
think of it as placing a lock on your backpack while travelling. The only reasons it does its job, is because the robber will simply steal someone elses bag which is easier to access. So. Informent can be more or less for show and it will still do the job.
Anyway..I think Ive written enough for now.
-Namaste-
Megas... ...People say American tourists are bad. Anyone who has been anywhere in Greece dominated by young Brits (non-Greek Brits) knows they can be just as bad if not worse.
kiki... ...never been there, but i pray that more areas will hit a wall like this one, and realize what is happening before it's too late. i love my horio, but the locals are way too busy making money to think about how the hedonism has deteriorated what has been there for centuries. :(
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