The Municipality of Hersonissos says Greece’s revised tourism planning framework overlooks local realities, favours large investors, and could undermine sustainable development unless significant changes are made.
The Municipality of Hersonissos has raised serious concerns over Greece’s revised Special Spatial Framework for Tourism, arguing that the proposed planning rules risk undermining sustainable development in one of the country’s most important tourism destinations.
Speaking at a political forum organized by PASOK-KINAL, Mayor Zacharias Doxastakis dismantled the central government’s updated Joint Ministerial Decision (KYA) for the Special Spatial Framework for Tourism (EXP-T). The mayor outlined the municipality’s objections to the updated framework, describing several provisions as disconnected from local realities and likely to create long-term obstacles for both communities and businesses.
At the heart of the municipality’s criticism is the government’s decision to revise the tourism planning framework without simultaneously updating its Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment. According to the mayor, separating planning decisions from their environmental and scientific basis weakens the credibility of the entire process.
One Size Does Not Fit Every Destination
The municipality also disputes how Hersonissos has been classified under the new system. The tourism framework places the Municipal Units of Hersonissos and Malia in the category of “Controlled Development,” while Gouves is classified as an already developed tourism area.
Local officials argue that these classifications rely on broad statistical indicators, such as tourist beds per square kilometre or per resident, that fail to capture the distinct character and needs of individual communities.
The mayor also criticised the removal of a provision that previously allowed individual municipal or local communities to request changes to their classification. Under the revised proposal, any future adjustments would only be possible through Regional Spatial Plans, significantly reducing local flexibility.
Planning Should Begin Locally
Doxastakis argued that Local Urban Plans should be completed before the national tourism framework is finalised. Without them, he warned, national policy risks overlooking the specific needs of each destination.
He also called for the completion of environmental studies covering Natura 2000 protected areas before new planning rules are implemented.
Bigger Hotels, Smaller Opportunities
Among the municipality’s strongest objections are new minimum land requirements for hotel construction, which officials believe favour large investors while making development increasingly difficult for owners of smaller properties.
The municipality, however, welcomed tighter regulation of short-term rentals, describing the measures as necessary to protect local communities.
The mayor also warned that the continued expansion of all-inclusive tourism places growing pressure on restaurants, entertainment venues and small family businesses that depend on visitors spending money outside hotel complexes.
Looking Beyond Tourism
While criticising parts of the government’s proposal, Hersonissos also presented its own long-term vision.
The municipality plans to develop a Municipal Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship alongside a Data Centre intended to support digital transformation and new business opportunities. Officials see these investments as essential pillars of the “Hersonissos 2030” strategy, which aims to diversify the local economy while strengthening tourism.
Water, Coastlines and Transport
The municipality supports stronger provisions on water management, recycling and desalination, while proposing mandatory water storage systems for new tourism developments.
It also welcomed restrictions on construction within 25 metres of the coastline and called for coastal protection projects to be integrated into a comprehensive shoreline management strategy rather than as isolated interventions.
Another priority is improved transport infrastructure, particularly a fixed-rail connection between the new Kastelli International Airport and Crete’s major tourism destinations.
A Call for Smarter Tourism Policy
Closing the discussion, Mayor Doxastakis argued that tourism planning must balance economic growth with environmental protection and community well-being. He stressed that extending the tourist season, supporting inland villages, protecting coastal areas and strengthening local agriculture should all form part of Greece’s long-term tourism strategy.
Without meaningful revisions, the municipality believes the current framework could create significant implementation problems and ultimately limit the development prospects of one of Crete’s most important tourism regions.
