Greece Extends Public Consultation for New Special Spatial Framework for Tourism

The Greek government has extended the deadline for public consultation on the new Special Spatial Framework for Tourism, following significant public interest in participation.

Originally set to conclude on September 15, the consultation period will now continue until September 25.

The long-awaited framework aims to guide the sustainable development of Greece’s tourism sector, addressing longstanding distortions and irregularities.

Among its key provisions, the framework prohibits the development of new tourism infrastructure in areas within the Natura 2000 network until management plans are established. Additionally, tourism activities will be excluded from areas designated for absolute nature protection.

The plan also aims to limit the number of short-term rental properties in popular tourist destinations and introduce a special green fee to finance renovations and tourism infrastructure improvements.

Complementing the framework is the Strategic Environmental Impact Study by the Ministry of Environment, which has also received an extension for public consultation. The study proposes measures to mitigate the potential impacts of the new tourism framework.

The complete public consultation document can be accessed online here (in Greek).

Members of the public are invited to submit feedback via email to sec.dipa@prv.ypeka.gr and diavoulefsi.exp.tourismos@prv.ypeka.gr by September 25.