SETE: Spatial Planning Key to Making Greece a Competitive Destination

On the back of impressive tourism figures, the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) underlines the need for spatial planning that will ensure Greece remains a competitive destination in the future.

According to a recent report released by SETE’s intelligence unit (InSETE) titled “Greek Tourism Developments & Prospects” it is vital that stakeholders proceed with the creation of a special spatial plan for sustainable tourism development together with a stable investment-friendly tax framework in order to facilitate much needed investments and safeguard the environment.

Creating and maintaining prosperous community, economic and ecological systems as well as being able to adapt to disruption and change are key to an effective spatial plan which should cover natural ecosystems and the cultural environment.

The idea is to tap into human resources and innovation and at the same time function as a catalyst for compromise between different growth forces and social groups whose purposes, goals and priorities may conflict.

Environment issues, social structures, state functionality, land ownership and entrepreneurship should be taken into consideration when drawing up the plan which should benefit all stakeholders.

SETE’s report further points to the challenges and stresses the need to initially set directions and general terms for the type of tourism development desired with the aim to establish Greece as an internationally competitive tourism destination.

In the meantime, set goals should go hand in hand with the available funding tools and must focus on ensuring equal benefits for all parties involved, capitalize on innovation and recent trends, work towards ensuring competitiveness on an international level.

A spatial planning framework for tourism was annulled by the Council of State in 2015 creating controversy among sector stakeholders.