Government Promises Golf Legislation

Because the construction of a golf course in Greece is more than difficult, and extremely time consuming, Greek government quarters have promised to create legislation that would cut deeply into the time and paperwork required for such construction projects.

According to the country’s deputy minister of economy, Petros Doukas, the worst barriers for golf projects include the high number of time-consuming applications that must be forwarded to different ministries and the approval of these applications, and the lack of a land registry office for development projects that go hand in hand with a golf course.

Mr. Doukas, during a recent interview at the Greek Golf Federation, said “we are preparing legislation to attract investors to this area (golf), which will ease land regulations for construction around golf course areas.”

Such legislation would make it easier for construction of villas, apartment complexes and hotels with golf courses. Mr. Doukas said the legislation was in its final stage. He also said that government would suggest possible areas for golf projects where all paperwork would be easier and quicker to accomplish. Greece has only six golf courses. The average golf visitor to Greece spends 700 euros per day, which is four times that of a tourist on an organized tour.