Greece unveils framework to curb overtourism and protect special areas

Greece has presented its new Special Spatial Framework for Tourism, at a crucial moment for the future of the country and its sustainable development in the midst of overtourism.

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The Ministers of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, and Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, said that the aim of the spatial framework is to better organise with specific conditions on where, how and under what conditions tourism activity is developed, combined with a shift in development and redirection of resources and investments to non-saturated areas.

Greece is one of the strongest brands in global tourism, with the number of tourists visiting the country increasing, leading to both the phenomena of overtourism and the need to improve infrastructure, especially on the islands.

“The key is the transition to a development model that combines quality and sustainability, respecting both the natural environment and the specific characteristics of each region,” a statement said.

End to uncontrolled development with emphasis on sustainability

The new framework seeks to definitively curb unregulated tourism expansion by setting clear rules on where, how and under what conditions investments can be implemented.

The government’s strategy gives priority to relieving the pressure on already overburdened tourist destinations, while promoting the development of new areas with potential for sustainable tourism development.

The new categorisation of the country

For the first time, Greece is divided into five main categories of regions, depending on geographical characteristics and the degree of tourism pressure:

1. High-pressure areas: Where strict restrictions are introduced to curb overtourism.
2. Areas with room for growth: Incentives are given for investment based on strict sustainability criteria.
3. Island destinations: Special attention to the islands of Greece.
4. Mainland: Strengthening alternative forms of tourism.
5. Special status areas: Special protection for sensitive ecosystems.

Restrictions on beds and reinforcement of coastal protection

One of the most important interventions concerns the setting of a maximum number of tourist beds on islands, based on the size and carrying capacity of each region.

At the same time, full protection of the coastal zone is foreseen in the first 25 metres from the shoreline, where no building will be allowed except for projects in the public interest.

Preservation of natural and cultural heritage

The Special Spatial Plan provides for additional regulations concerning the protection of the National System of Protected Areas, as well as the promotion and preservation of traditional and abandoned settlements.

At the same time, particular emphasis is placed on the preservation of archaeological sites, monuments and historical sites, so that tourism development does not adversely affect the country’s cultural and historical identity.

As was pointed out during the presentation of the plan, the main objective is to adopt a tourism model that will responsibly exploit Greece’s natural and cultural resources, while ensuring sustainable development for the future.