Greece Updates Golf Course Regulations

Looking to tap into the growing interest in golf tourism and enhance the Greek tourism product, authorities moved ahead this week with a series of revisions to the relevant regulation. 

More specifically, Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis updated a 2014 ministerial decision allowing for more flexibility and facilitating the creation of golf resorts countrywide.

Key revisions include a series of incentives for investors and doing away with tedious red tape as well as more flexibility with regard to golf course design with emphasis on adaptation to the geographical location and on showcasing the natural landscape.

Given that travelers for golf are in the higher spending brackets and that golf tourism is a constantly growing activity in more than 200 countries, Greece aims to create golf resorts where contemporary sports facilities will be combined with the best Greek hospitality has to offer.

Considered a key revenue-maker and in view of the new Covid-19 reality, golf is an ideal tourist product as it is conducted in open spaces outdoors, is sustainable and can contribute to extending the tourism season.

With these aspects in mind, Theoharis aims to incorporate golf tourism in the 10-year national plan for tourism currently being prepared.