Greece’s Draft Spatial Framework Encompasses Geotourism and Fishing Tourism

Vikos Gorge. Photo source: Zagori Municipality

Geotourism and fishing tourism are among the special interest tourism types covered in the Greek government’s proposed Special Spatial Framework for Tourism.

The framework aims to regulate land use for tourism development and was drafted jointly by the Ministries of Tourism and Environment and Energy. It was announced earlier this month and has been posted for public consultation until September 15.

Geotourism

Regarding geotourism, which focuses on the natural environment, geology, and landscape of destinations, the framework proposes the following:

– The highlighting and promotion of activities related to geological sites across the country, such as volcanoes, caves, gorges, fossil sites, significant geological formations, ancient or abandoned mines, and natural formations shaped over time by natural forces. The sites should be integrated into tourism networks, either thematic or general, based on their specific features.

– Ensuring accessibility and managing visitor traffic in accordance with the capacity of each site.

Fishing Tourism

Photo source: Visit Greece

According to the proposed framework, fishing tourism is permitted:

– at sea and in inland water resources (lakes, rivers, brackish water ecosystems), provided that amateur fishing is permitted by relevant institutional frameworks.

– based on guidelines from Sea Spatial Frameworks once established,

– in leased parts of sea or land areas where aquatic organisms are cultivated, in compliance with regulations and restrictions governing operational licenses for such facilities.

Additionally, the framework encourages the development of fishing tourism services linked with aquaculture units.

Other alternative tourism forms

Greece’s proposed Special Spatial Framework for Tourism emphasizes the development of leisure and thematic parks, either standalone or integrated with urban destinations. These parks could include thematic parks, adventure parks, miniature parks, and more, potentially combined with multi-cinema venues, shopping centers, and amusement parks, particularly in urban areas.

Furthermore, the framework encourages the development and promotion of other special interest tourism types or alternative forms of tourism that enrich local tourism offerings. These may leverage local tourism resources and economic activities specific to each area, such as industry, energy, fishing, and hunting. Additionally, inactive mines could potentially be repurposed, beyond ecological restoration, for tourist activities like thematic parks or other tourism initiatives.