‘Athens cannot operate as a giant hotel’: mayor vows to rescue capital from overtourism
Summary
The mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, is concerned about too many tourists in the city center, which is causing problems for local residents and damaging the area’s character. He plans to stop new tourist-related businesses and building projects in the old town to protect neighborhoods like Plaka and improve life for people living in the city.Key Facts
- Athens had over 8 million visitors last year, a record high for the city.
- Short-term rentals in the Plaka district have more than doubled since 2018.
- Rising rents and strained infrastructure are causing difficulties for local residents.
- The city is upgrading utilities and networks to handle the high number of visitors and residents.
- Mayor Haris Doukas took office in 2024 and aims to “green” Athens and limit tourist development.
- Doukas wants a law to ban new tourist businesses and building projects in the city’s historic center.
- A hotel industry leader also suggested limiting new hotel construction, supporting the mayor’s approach.
- The mayor prefers tourist investment to move to less crowded parts of Athens.
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