Greek Government Demolishes Illegal Constructions In Tourism Areas

Photo source: www.ethnos.gr

“Following the law must be an inviolable rule for all, especially for entrepreneurs in the tourism industry,” Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said yesterday, 15 March, in a statement regarding Thursday’s demolition of an illegally built seaside tavern on Tobruk Beach in Heraklion, Crete.

According to press reports, following checks by environmental inspectors, the Greek Government decided recently that certain constructions erected illegally outside the building zone (foreshores, forest lands and protected areas) were to be knocked down by decentralized government crews.

“The legislation on illegal buildings is concrete and we all must we respect it,” she said.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni

The Greek press said another demolition took place on Friday in regards to an illegal beach bar of a hotel complex in Malia. Another 100 demolitions of properties built illegally outside the building zone are to follow on Crete.

Demolitions will also take place on the Cycladic and Dodecanese islands.

The tourism minister said protecting the environment is top priority of the Greek Tourism Ministry.

However, Mrs. Kefalogianni said the lack of planning and sudden actions could create many unpleasant problems, especially now that Greece is at the beginning of the tourism season and the last thing the country needs are “negative images.” (The owners of the tavern on Tobruk Beach reacted and tried to stop the demolition by blocking the bulldozer with their cars and hurling stones.)

“Consultation and coordination are essential if we are to carry out substantive actions to benefit Greek tourism,” she concluded.