Greece has launched a new Special Spatial Framework for Tourism designed to tackle overtourism while balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Read on to know more!
Greece Launches New Framework For Tourism
As per a report by Travel and Leisure Asia, the change comes as the number of tourists visiting the country, long known as a centre of global tourism and luxury travel, continues to rise each year. Famous Greek islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete and Zakynthos are some of the most affected, with the locals increasingly taking on the brunt of cruise ship crowds, water shortages, traffic and rapid construction. The new framework seeks to preserve Greece’s originality and landscapes for upcoming generations while managing tourism more effectively.
Olga Kefalogianni, the Minister of Tourism, Environment and Energy, and Stavros Papastavrou stated that the spatial framework aims to better organise certain conditions on where, how and under what conditions tourism activity is developed, along with a shift in development and redirection of resources and investments to non-saturated areas.
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The new system will prevent uncontrolled tourism expansion by underlining where, how, and under what conditions tourism-related investments can be implemented. This government will concentrate on reducing the pressure from already burdened tourism sites to newer areas, which present the scope for sustainable development.
What Does The New Framework Focus On?
The framework will also categorise Greece into five regions, based on geography and tourism impact. The categories include high-pressure areas (strict restrictions imposed to curb overtourism), areas with room for growth (incentives given for tourism development with strict sustainability criteria), Island destinations (special attention will be given to Greek islands), mainland (where the aim will be to develop alternative forms of tourism) and special status areas (special protection will be given to sensitive ecosystems).
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The framework will also take action by setting an upper limit for the number of tourist beds on islands. This will depend on the region’s size and carrying capacity. Additionally, full protection will be granted to the coastal zone that extends 25 m from the shoreline.
The Special Spatial Framework for Tourism also includes rules to protect the National System of Protected Areas. The regulations also extend to the support and preservation of traditional and neglected settlements.
Cover Image Courtesy: Unsplash
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Which country is Greece?
Greece is a country located in Southern Europe on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula.
Is Greece a wealthy or poor country?
Greece is considered a developed, high-income country, but it is among the poorer nations within the European Union (EU) following a severe long-term debt crisis.
What is Greece so famous for?
Greece is world-renowned as the cradle of Western civilization, celebrated for its profound impact on democracy, philosophy, and science.