Haris Doukas, the socialist mayor of Athens, is determined to reclaim the city centre for its citizens, according to multiple reports. Doukas believes entire neighbourhoods are in danger of losing their authenticity due to uncontrolled tourist development, he told The Guardian - Main UK. Last year, more than 8 million people visited Athens, a record for the city, according to major media reports. In short-term rentals alone, overnight stays in the Plaka district have more than doubled since 2018, according to major media reports.
Doukas assumed the post in 2024 after winning with support from the main opposition Pasok party, according to major media reports. An estimated 3,855 trees have been planted around the municipality under Doukas's watch, according to major media reports. Doukas plans to call for a blanket ban on new business activity in the city's historical centre using a tourism land-use bill, according to major media reports. He wants to stop all tourist investment in Plaka, including short-term rentals, serviced apartments, hotels, and other tourism uses, he told The Guardian - Main UK.
Athens cannot operate as if it were a giant hotel. Restrictions and rules are needed. Cities must also have a say in the way they develop.
According to The Guardian - Main UK, Haris Doukas described Athens as unable to operate as if it were a giant hotel, adding that restrictions and rules are needed and cities must have a say in their development. He also described the pressure of having around 700,000 residents and 8 million visitors, noting that the city is being dug up to build electricity infrastructure, water systems, new drainage, and 5G networks. He said he is on a mission to save Plaka, which is over-saturated, and will stop all tourist investment there.
The specific restrictions beyond the ban on new business activity remain unclear. The tourism land-use bill's debate and likelihood of passing are uncertain. Reactions from construction companies, property investors, and entrepreneurs have not been reported. The ban's effect on existing businesses and short-term rentals in Plaka is also unknown. Measures to address infrastructure strain beyond the mentioned projects have not been detailed.
All of Athens is being dug up so that we can cope. We're building electricity infrastructure, water systems, new drainage, 5G networks. When you have around 700,000 residents and 8 million visitors, the pressure is enormous.
We'll be stopping all tourist investment in Plaka, which I am on a mission to save. There's no more room. Not for short-term rental, not for serviced apartments, not for hotels, or any other tourism use. The area is over-saturated.