(dr) Meliá
Greece’s capital is considering imposing restrictions on the issuance of new hotel licenses. Locals feel pressured.
The discussion comes at a time when the Greek capital faces challenges similar to those of other major European cities, where the balance between tourism and housing has become a political priority.
The growth in the number of visitors, combined with the proliferation of tourist accommodation, has been identified as one of the main factors putting pressure on the real estate market.
The city of Athens is considering imposing restrictions to the issuance of new hotel licenses, in an attempt to respond to growing pressure from turismo about the housing ea quality of life two residents.
The measure is part of a broader set of policies aimed at curbing the effects of the so-called “overtourism”, phenomenon that has been intensifying in several European destinations.
According to information released by , local authorities are evaluating the possibility of limiting the opening of new hotels in areas already saturated, where tourist demand has contributed to the increase in house prices and the transformation of the urban fabric.
Although there is still no final decision, the possible limitation of hotel licenses could act as a complement to other measures already adopted, such as restrictions on short-term local accommodation.
The objective is preserve access to housing for permanent residents and avoid the loss of character in historic neighborhoods.
Industry experts warn, however, that any intervention must be carefully calibrated to not compromise the economic importance of turismo, one of the pillars of the Greek economy.
Still, the debate reflects a growing trend in Europe: the need to regulate tourist growth in a sustainable way, reconciling economic development with urban well-being.
