A much-loved destination for partygoers is set to reverse a ban on holiday packages in a bid to entice Britons to return.
In 2017, almost 95 per cent of hotels in the Greek town of Malia banned package deals for young people aged 18 to 30.
However, almost ten years on, hotel owners have decided to reverse the decision in an attempt to restore the town back to its former glory, The Sun revealed.
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In 2017, almost 95 per cent of hotels in the Greek town of Malia banned package deals for young people aged 18-30
|GETTY
Last summer, it is estimated that the resort on the island of Crete saw a 30 per cent drop in visitors.
Marie Pajolou, 50, manager of the Happy Train tour company which operates in Malia, said: "Young people want to drink alcohol and have sex and that’s normal. No one should have a problem with that.
“Yes, they get drunk and they do silly things. I don’t like to see young, half-naked girls passed out on the street at 8am — it’s not safe for them.
"The big issue we are facing is not 18 to 30s holidaymakers, but the fact that tourism is 30 per cent down on last summer as everything is more expensive now."
Last summer, it is estimated that the resort on the island of Crete saw a 30 per cent drop in visitors
|GETTY
Ms Pajolou said that the island has suffered a serious decline since she first starting working there over 20 years ago.
She said: "People used to come here because it was cheap and you could have a fun holiday without worrying about money, but the price of everything keeps going up.
"It was much better than it is now... The resort was packed during the summer.
“We need more young people coming here, not less.”
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In 2017, Deputy Mayor of Malia Efthymios Moutrakis said: “Malia isn’t about sex, drugs and everything goes.
“It’s the prime tourist destination in Crete, bringing in millions of euros to the island.”
In 2011, fears over Malia's reputation peaked among locals following the release of the Inbetweeners movie.
The film showcased Simon Bird, James Buckley, Joe Thomas and Blake Harrison playing four young British teenagers going for their first holiday abroad after finishing their education.
While business manager Ms Pajolou is pleased with the prospect of more money coming back into the town, some locals are concerned for their safety following the ban's reversal.
Local shopkeeper, Marie, 38, said: “Now I am expecting a baby, I worry that it’s not safe to live in Malia.
“I’ve seen quad bike accidents and half-naked girls vomiting in the street, so I am certain this would be a much nicer place if we had better tourists.
“Most business owners don’t want to change because they are profiting so much from the youngsters.”