A joint ministerial decision signed by Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou and Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni establishes Greece's new Special Spatial Framework for Tourism.
Deputy Environment and Energy Minister Marilena Soukouli also signed the decision.
The framework is a national plan determining where tourism may develop and under what rules. It sets strategic directions and medium- to long-term national objectives for the spatial organisation of tourism, based on economic, environmental and social sustainability.
Its aim is more organised, sustainable tourism development that protects the natural environment, local communities and each area's distinctive character.
In summary, it establishes clear, uniform and transparent rules for new tourism investment; better organises hotels and other tourism infrastructure; protects destinations under heavy pressure; gives particular attention to islands and sensitive areas; and guides urban planning in the years ahead.
Area and island classifications
The principal classification is based on the intensity of tourism, taking particular account of tourist-bed numbers relative to each municipal unit's area and permanent population.
Areas are divided into zones A to E, and islands into Groups I to III.
These categories determine the types of tourism investment permitted, minimum plot requirements for new hotels, maximum bed capacity and safeguards for the natural environment and local character.
The framework also introduces strict coastal-zone protections to preserve the landscape and shoreline.
After broad consultation involving organisations, scientists, tourism businesses and residents, and opinions from the National Spatial Planning Council and the Central Council for Spatial Planning Issues and Disputes, directions and solutions were finalised across a range of matters.
The framework's overall architecture, classifications and fundamental principles remain, with three main targeted improvements arising from consultation.
These concern Controlled Development Areas, category A, with intensive tourism activity; Special Development Support Areas, category E, including border regions; and the use of already designated traditional and listed neoclassical buildings in category A areas.
The provision for low-intensity development also remains, with a maximum building coefficient equal to half that otherwise applicable locally.
It requires specialist studies, including geotechnical work and watercourse delineation, a Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment, consultation and a presidential decree following Council of State approval.
The announcement describes the signed decision as giving Greece, in substance, a strategic institutional document for tourism's spatial development for the first time.
Stavros Papastavrou: clear rules and long-term direction
The Environment and Energy Minister said:
“The Special Spatial Framework for Tourism is a strategic national planning tool, establishing the conditions for organised, balanced and sustainable tourism development.
“Through clear rules and strategic directions, it combines stronger tourism activity with protection of the natural and cultural environment, preservation of local communities' identity and the long-term resilience of our country's destinations.
“I warmly thank Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, the Secretaries-General and the staff of both ministries for their substantive, constructive cooperation.
“Spatial planning is more than an institutional tool: it is a responsible choice for the country's future.
“We introduce rules where there was uncertainty, strategy where fragmented decisions prevailed, and a long-term perspective where planning was often short-term.
“We protect the environment, strengthen the economy and improve residents' quality of life.
“Tourism, a national asset and one of our country's central industries, gains for the first time a modern, stable spatial framework that provides legal certainty, encourages responsible investment and ensures development goes hand in hand with protecting our natural and cultural wealth.
“Through planning, consistency and cooperation, we create the conditions for tourism that delivers greater value for the country, local communities and future generations.”
Olga Kefalogianni: development with balance
The Tourism Minister said:
“The Special Spatial Framework for Tourism is a fundamental tool for implementing our strategy for high-quality tourism development, with moderation and balance, respect for the natural and cultural environment, and a basis in each area's real capacity.
“The new framework protects destinations experiencing increased pressure and creates conditions for growth in less-developed parts of the country.
“We want tourism to reach more destinations and cover more of the year, so its benefits extend to more local communities.
“Clear rules and specific directions determine where and under what conditions tourism can develop, without overlooking each place's particular characteristics and needs.
“At the same time, local organisations retain the necessary room to design solutions suited to their area's conditions.
“I thank Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou for his cooperation and all organisations for their broad, substantive participation in consultation.
“Our common goal is to safeguard the value of Greek tourism and strengthen it on the basis of quality and sustainability, creating real added value for the economy and society.”
