Greece Aims to Enhance Rural Tourism and City Break Travel Offerings

Photo source: Visit Greece / P. Merakos.

Grounded in scientific research and international best practices, the Greek government’s new proposed Special Spatial Framework for Tourism aims to establish a solid and clear foundation for land use in tourism development. It covers all niche markets in the sector, proposing specific strategies for each.

The proposed framework will remain subject to public dialogue until September 15, taking place electronically among all sides concerned. The framework was drafted by the ministries of Tourism and Environment and Energy, aiming to solve often decades old problems and to ease the development of the tourism market in Greece.

Two of the niche markets covered by the proposed framework are those of “rural tourism” as well as “city break travel”.

Rural Tourism

As highlighted in the new Special Spatial Framework for Tourism, rural tourism develops in areas of the countryside characterized by special interest tourism types, including those covered by the National System of Protected Areas with the exception of those in the category of “absolute protection”, as well as farming lands. The latter are farming lands of “high productivity” as defined by the institutional framework of the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food.

In the areas where nature is protected and in national parks, different types of “rural tourism” are permitted that are relative to the area. Such categories include mountain climbing, ecotourism and others, while necessary facilities operating in those areas are allowed as for example with shelters up to 200 square meters.

The development of rural tourism is also encouraged within regional natural parks, with areas specified where home construction in them being specified, with such allowances also being made for existing housing developments.

Regarding “Rural Tourism”, the draft law also addresses the following:

– Activities to promote and enhance protected areas with natural resources (nature and landscape) as central elements for the development of sustainable tourism in natural settings. Initially, these areas will include those that already have a management unit.

– Installation of signage on trails according to European Union standards, publication of maps for mountain hikes, and allowance for additional activities such as horseback riding or mountain biking in these areas. New routes will aim to incorporate traditional housing or villages with infrastructure for meals and recreational activities.

– Preservation and promotion of traditional ways of living.

– Development of infrastructure for nature observation (such as bird watching), including observation posts, visitor information centers, museums, and shelters for mountain climbers.

City breaks – City trips

Photo source: This is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau

Regarding tourism activities within city limits, the proposed framework includes:

– Supporting cities as autonomous tourism destinations for short or extended stays (city breaks – city trips) by enhancing their specific features that attract visitors and contribute to their identity and brand.

– Allowing traditional buildings in residential and mixed residential areas to be converted into tourism accommodations without a limit on the number of beds.

– Allowing for the application of construction license standards from old, legally constructed tourism units that are “withdrawn” from the market, either for use on other construction lots or for reconstruction at their current location under the original construction standards.

– Permitting the conversion of existing buildings, originally constructed for any purpose, within city planning zones into tourism accommodation facilities such as hotels, along with supporting uses permitted in those areas.

– Implementing Management Plans for Tourism Destinations in city planning zones with significant tourism accommodation and infrastructure, as well as in adjacent areas with sporadic tourism facilities.