New Zoning Law For Tourism Discussed

The main objectives of the new zoning law for tourism is to curb the construction of new tourist facilities in congested areas of Greece, Maria Kaltsa, general secretary for planning and urban regeneration, said last month.

The bill in discussion is a revised version of the controversial zoning law for tourism drawn up by the previous New Democracy government in mid-2008, which had caused the negative reactions of environmentalists, hoteliers and civil engineers.

According to press reports, the aim of the Environ­ment Ministry is to limit the spread of hotel units within unzoned areas and to close down old hotels.

Also, the ministry intends to revoke the term of the previous zoning law in regards to the construction of “tourist villages” with apartments for sale to tourists.

According to the ministry, the new zoning law for tourism is near completion and should soon be submitted for public consultation.