The Greek government has proposed new measures that could prevent tourists from visiting some of the country’s most popular destinations.
Under new travel regulations, holidaymakers could face a ban from travelling to certain regions, in a bid to address the overtourism that is impacting Greece’s infrastructure and local housing markets. The regulation would affect high-demand areas which could potentially ruin Brits’ visits to multiple areas in Greece that typically draw high numbers of tourists every year.
The government hopes to achieve a balance in tourism growth and support the needs of local residents by placing restrictions on short-term rentals to alleviate the pressure on the country’s housing market.
According to Travel and Tour World, Prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis discussed the issue during his speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair, where he revealed that there is a plan to potentially extend the current ban on new short-term rental licenses for another year.
The regulation would specifically apply to three districts in Athens, as the rise in short-term rentals across Greece’s capital has led to significant concerns over housing availability for local residents.
Greece is experiencing a trend where more and more properties are being converted into holiday rentals. The change is believed to be driven by online platforms such as Airbnb, which allow property owners to rent out their homes to tourists at higher prices than what would typically be available in the traditional rental market.
The increase in short-term rentals has benefited some property owners and the tourism industry. However, it has also created a heavy imbalance in the local housing markets and concerns about the affordability of living in certain cities and regions.
According to 2024 figures, Greece has an average of 46 short-term rental properties available per 1,000 permanent residents, and in certain areas across the country, the disparity is even worse. The Cyclades, a group of islands renowned for scenic landscapes, has a shocking average of 611 short-term rentals per 1,000 residents.
While the Greek government has been attempting to tackle the issue for several years, the extension of the ban that was initially implemented in 2024 seems like a suitable solution.