InSETE: Greek Spatial Planning Strategies for Tourism Lagging

Spatial planning strategies and regional level regulatory frameworks risk being ineffective, inexecutable or simply obsolete due to constant delays in the approval process, the Greek Tourism Confederation’s (SETE) research department InSETE reveals.

According to an InSETE study published this week, regional spatial planning frameworks and the Athens regulatory plan are both in danger of being completely untimely; the cancellation of the spatial plan for tourism raises doubts over the applicability of regional frameworks; methods and directives for neighboring destinations are divergent; proposed plans have not been documented based on local and international tourist market conditions; spatial planning provisions for tourism are not accompanied by relevant directives and measures; proposals call for the Ionian islands and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace to steer clear of integrated tourism development; there are no suitable spatial arrangements for large investments; incentives for the modernization and upgrade of enterprises are not specified.

InSETE has repeatedly urged stakeholders to 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.

In its study titled titled “Greek Tourism Developments & Prospects”, it  underlines the need to create and maintain 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.