By Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD) of the Ministers of the Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou and Tourism Olga Kefalogianni According to an announcement, it is being enacted as of today, the New Special Spatial Planning Framework for Tourism. The decision is co-signed by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Ms. Marilena Soukouli.
As noted:
The Special Spatial Framework for Tourism (SSF-T) is a national plan that defines where and under what rules tourism can be developed in the country. It aims to define strategic directions and medium- to long-term goals at the national level for the spatial organization of the tourism sector, in terms of economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
The goal is to ensure that tourism development takes place in a more organized and sustainable manner, while protecting the natural environment, local communities, and the unique character of each region.
In summary, the Special Spatial Planning Framework for Tourism:
- establishes clear, uniform, and transparent rules for new tourism investments,
- better organizes the development of hotels and other tourism infrastructure,
- protects areas experiencing increased tourist pressure,
- places particular emphasis on the islands and sensitive areas,
- and guides urban planning for the coming years.
According to the new ECHP-T, the basic classification of areas is based on the intensity of tourism, taking into account primarily the number of tourist beds in relation to the area and the permanent population of each Municipal Unit. The classification of areas into Zones A–E and of islands into Groups I–III effectively determines the conditions under which tourism may be developed in each area. It affects the type of tourism investments permitted, the minimum size requirements for new hotels, the maximum bed capacity, as well as the conditions for protecting the natural environment and the unique character of each region. At the same time, the EHP-T establishes strict protection rules for the coastal zone, with the aim of preserving the natural landscape and protecting the coastal area.
Following an extensive consultation process involving numerous stakeholders, scientists, industry executives, and citizens, as well as following the issuance of opinions by the National Council for Spatial Planning and the Central Council for Spatial Planning Issues and Disputes (KESYCHOTHA), guidelines, regulations, and solutions to a range of issues were finalized with broad acceptance. While the structure, the categorization, and the fundamental principles of the ECHP-T, three specific improvements were made following the incorporation of comments and observations from the consultation process: first, regarding Controlled Development Areas (Areas A) with intense tourist activity; second, regarding Special Development Support Areas (Areas E), such as, among others, border regions; and third, regarding the utilization of already designated traditional and protected (neoclassical) buildings in Areas (A). At the same time, the provision for maintaining «low-impact development»(maximum floor area ratio equal to ½ of that currently in effect in the area), through specialized studies (geotechnical, stream delineation, etc.), an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), public consultation, and the issuance of a Presidential Decree, following approval by the Council of State.
With today’s signing of the Joint Ministerial Decision, our country thus acquires, for the first time in substance, a strategic institutional framework for the spatial development of tourism.
The Minister for the Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou stated: «The Special Spatial Framework for Tourism is a strategic national planning tool that sets the conditions for organized, balanced, and sustainable tourism development. With clear rules and strategic guidelines, it combines the promotion of tourism with the protection of the natural and cultural environment, the preservation of the identity of local communities, and the long-term resilience of the country’s destinations. I would like to extend my warmest thanks to Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, the Secretaries-General, and the officials of both Ministries for their substantive and constructive cooperation. Spatial planning is not merely an institutional tool; it is a responsible choice for the country’s future. We are establishing rules where there was ambiguity, a strategy where fragmentation prevailed, and a long-term perspective where short-term planning often dominated. We are protecting the environment, strengthening the economy, and improving the quality of life for our citizens. Tourism, as a national asset and a major industry for the country, is, for the first time, gaining a modern and stable spatial framework that provides legal certainty, encourages responsible investment, and ensures that development goes hand in hand with the protection of our natural and cultural heritage. Through planning, consistency, and cooperation, we are laying the groundwork for a tourism sector that creates greater value for the country, local communities, and future generations.».
The Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni stated: «The Special Spatial Planning Framework for Tourism is a key tool for implementing our strategy for the high-quality development of tourism, with moderation and balance, respecting the natural and cultural environment, based on the actual potential of each region. The new framework protects destinations facing increased pressure and creates conditions for development in the country’s less-developed regions. Our goal is to expand tourism to more destinations and throughout a larger portion of the year, so that its benefits reach more local communities. Clear rules and specific guidelines determine where and under what conditions tourism can develop, without overlooking the unique characteristics and needs of each location. At the same time, local authorities retain the necessary leeway to design solutions tailored to the conditions of their region. I would like to thank the Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Stavros Papastavrou, for his cooperation, as well as all stakeholders for their broad and meaningful participation in the consultation. Our common goal is to preserve the value of Greek tourism and enhance it through quality and sustainability, creating real added value for the economy and society.».
