The new Special Spatial Planning Framework for Tourism is being introduced for discussion during today’s session of the South Aegean Regional Council. This debate concerns the future development model of our islands and the way we wish to organize our lives over the coming decades.
The country needs spatial planning. It needs rules, strategy, and a clear framework that combines development with environmental protection and the quality of life of local residents. However, the plan presented by the government raises serious concerns because, instead of establishing a comprehensive development strategy that would provide order and security, it introduces horizontal restrictions and creates uncertainty.
The first major issue is that the proposed framework was designed without the meaningful participation of Local Government authorities, professional associations, tourism stakeholders, and local communities themselves. The islands are not homogeneous geographical entities. Each island has its own unique characteristics, needs, and therefore different development potential. Even within the same island, there are varying conditions and different growth dynamics.
At the same time, the new spatial framework relies on horizontal approaches and restrictions without sufficient scientific documentation. Of particular concern is the logic of “beds per square kilometer” or static numerical indicators, which fail to reflect reality. It ignores the fact that two destinations may have the same number of tourist beds but completely different capacities in water supply, energy networks, transport infrastructure, or waste management.
The problem is not tourism development itself, but the lack of infrastructure. Yet the government chooses to halt development because it is unable to invest in infrastructure.
We propose a different model — a model of balanced regional development that will operate for the benefit of local communities and small and medium-sized enterprises. Specifically, we propose:
- A full recording of the actual tourism accommodation capacity on every island, so that planning is based on real data rather than a distorted picture of tourism pressure in each area.
- An institutional role for Municipalities in the management of short-term rentals, allowing them to intervene according to the actual needs of each area and address housing pressure and social imbalance.
- The creation of a Carrying Capacity Observatory, supported by local studies on water supply, energy networks, waste management, and infrastructure, so that decisions are based on scientific evidence and continuous monitoring of each island’s real capacities.
Most importantly, part of the revenue generated by tourism should return directly to the islands through the Resilience Fee in order to strengthen development projects and infrastructure.
Every island is unique. So are its capabilities.
We need planning based on real data, participation by local communities, and policies that will ensure development remains sustainable and fair.
Nea Epoche sto Notio Aigaio
Nikiforos Papanikolas
