Greece Moves To Curb Mass Tourism After Record Visitor Surge

ATHENS, May 12 (Bernama-dpa) -- The Greek government on Monday presented a programme aimed at curbing mass tourism in popular locations after the central bank reported nearly 38 million visitors last year, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni told a press conference that the aim was a more sustainable tourism model with lower impact on the environment, beaches and infrastructure.

Environment Minister Stavros Papastavrou described the programme as a "historic reform."

Regions will be subdivided according to the impact of tourism, with popular holiday islands like Rhodes, Kos, Santorini and Mykonos subject to stricter conditions for construction.

New hotels in heavily impacted island regions will be allowed to have at most 100 beds.

The move came after the central bank reported a record number of tourists visiting Greece last year.

Santorini and Mykonos are seen as overcrowded in high season, with residents pointing for years to traffic jams, water shortages, rising rents and overloaded infrastructure.

Construction regulations will be made stricter, with new hotels outside official construction regions allowed only on large properties. Depending on the region, these will have to be at least eight to 16 hectares in area.

The aim is to prevent more buildings from being erected in a disorderly way across the landscape.

The coasts are to be protected better, with no building allowed within 25 metres of the sea.

Exceptions will be allowed for access and escape routes.

The relevant ministerial decree is due to go into force at the end of June.

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA