Greece’s New Special Spatial Framework for Tourism Faces Further Delay

Santorini, Greece.

Greece’s new Special Spatial Framework for Tourism has been delayed once again, leaving the tourism sector without this important tool for guiding future development.

According to reports, Greek Deputy Minister for Environment and Energy Nikos Tagaras announced that the strategic environmental impact study for the proposed Special Spatial Framework for Tourism, originally due in early 2025, will now be extended until May 20 of the same year.

The delay is due to the need to align the tourism framework with the one being prepared for the placement of Renewable Energy Sources (RES).

The absence of a national spatial framework for tourism has contributed to growing uncertainties surrounding investment in the sector. Developments are currently moving forward based on existing Regional Spatial Frameworks and specific regulations for each area, but the lack of a comprehensive national plan has placed pressure on both Greece’s natural and urban environments.

This marks the second extension for the environmental impact study, following the expiration of the original deadline on November 11, 2024. Sources indicate that both frameworks—tourism and renewable energy—must align on several key issues, as one influences the other. However, the RES framework has not yet entered public consultation.

The long-awaited Special Spatial Framework for Tourism aims to guide the sustainable development of Greece’s tourism sector, addressing longstanding distortions and irregularities.