Greece to Launch Public Consultation for Tourism Land Use Framework

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

Greece’s new legal framework for the spatial plan that will define land use for tourism purposes will soon be put up for public consultation, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said on Tuesday.

Speaking during the Greek Tourism Confederation’s (SETE) annual conference “Reframing Tourism”, the minister said following the public consultation, she will then proceed with the signing of the joint ministerial decision involving the spatial plan.

The new framework will focus on organizing tourism development through land-use planning, based on the principles of sustainable development.

“The new framework for spatial planning will give directions for regional and local urban plans, so that there is mutual benefit and synergies with other sectors,” the minister explained.

The special spatial plan for tourism is part of the ministry’s national strategy for tourism, which, according to Kefalogianni, aims to ensure the sustainable development of destinations; diversify and improve the competitiveness of the tourism product; upgrade tourism education and training; and strengthen the promotion of the Greek tourism product.

The minister said the main goal is for Greece to be a destination that will be known for the high quality of services at an international level, authenticity and unique travel experiences.

Photo source: Greek Tourism Ministry

Marine tourism

In the context of the ministry’s goal, Kefalogianni made special reference to marine tourism, highlighting it as “a catalyst for economic development” and informed on the ministry’s effort to upgrade the infrastructure of tourist ports (marinas).

“This is the largest project of the tourism ministry, with a total budget of 159 million euros, financed by the Recovery and Resilience Fund,” she said.

The minister also referred to a recent legislative initiative regarding the establishment of the first Mediterranean Coastal and Maritime Tourism Observatory as foreseen by a memorandum of cooperation signed between the Greek ministry and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

“The observatory will aim to systematically measure and monitor the environmental, social and economic impacts of coastal and marine tourism,” she said.

DMMOs

Referring to more efficiently managing and promoting Greece’s destinations, Kefalogianni announced that the ministry is already working on the framework for the management of tourism destinations.

“This framework will concern destinations with special features and potential for sustainable tourism development,” she said.

With regard to DMMOs (Destination Management and Marketing Organizations) Kefalogianni said the ministry is looking to create and define a new model, where the private sector, central government and local government are all involved and “working together”.

Short-term rentals

Photo source: Greek Tourism Ministry

Referring to the recent rules for short-term rentals in Greece included in the new tax law that passed in parliament, Kefalogianni said a first – but important – step was taken on the matter.

“In the next period we will take a legislative initiative, in order to further expand and specialize the framework of short-term real estate leases, at the level of establishing minimum technical specifications for their operation,” she said.

Digital transformation

Moreover, the minister spoke of the new approach the ministry is taking for the promotion of tourism through digital transformation.

“Projects, covered by the recovery fund, related to the digital transformation of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) have launched,” Kefalogianni said.

According to the minister, the digital transformation includes the launch of a digital map that will present the Greek tourism product in detail and highlight the special features of all destinations in an attractive way.

Plans for the GNTO’s digital transformation includes the revamp of the visitgreece.gr website to a more advanced tourism online portal.