The problems with mass tourism

Anger at Athens tourism: “Cannot function as a hotel”

The Greek capital Athens needs laws and regulations to cope with mass tourism, the city’s mayor Haris Doukas tells The Guardian. The former climate and energy professor warns that attractive neighborhoods risk losing their charm and that rising prices are forcing residents to move.

Among other things, he wants to use a proposed law, which is currently being debated, to stop new businesses in the city’s historic center.

Athens is for its residents, not people who want to exploit it, he says.

“Athens cannot function as if it were a giant hotel.”

Around 700,000 people live in Athens, which last year was visited by eight million tourists.

Barcelona is pointed out as a Greek horror scenario

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas' efforts to limit the tourism boom have been strengthened by the measures taken by his counterpart in Barcelona, ​​writes The Guardian.

In the Spanish city, Jaume Collboni, also a left-wing politician, has announced a total ban on short-term rentals from 2028. The rentals are also causing problems in Athens, according to Doukas.

- Athens must not become another Barcelona, ​​says the mayor.

According to Fox News, permits for Airbnb accommodations have been frozen in some attractive areas of Athens.