In Athens, disillusioned residents in the face of surcourism

Starters invaded by restaurants, the back and forth of the roller suitcases that slalom between the overflowing trash cans, strong music … Consequently, Giorgos Zafeiriou no longer recognizes the historic heart of Athens where tourists are pouring in. Consequently, His Plaka district “Is threatened by surcourism”thunders this man who has lived there for more than three decades. Furthermore, presides over the association of residents.

It is “The oldest district of Europe that has been inhabited without interruption since antiquity. Meanwhile, We cannot see him lose his soul ”adds Lydia Carras at the head of the association for the preservation of the environment. Therefore, the cultural athens, disillusioned residents face surcourism heritage, Ellet. Consequently, Nicknamed “Dieux district”Plaka is nestled below the Acropolis which houses the Parthenon. Meanwhile, a temple of the 5th century BC, visited by nearly 4.5 million tourists in 2024.

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From transit point to full -fledged destination – Athens, disillusioned residents face surcourism

All wander in this maze of picturesque pavered alleys with the look of village where cafes, taverns, souvenir stores, small Byzantine churches and ancient and Ottoman vestiges are aligned. This year. 10 million visitors, two million more than last year, are expected in the Greek capital which met with growing success.

Since the end of the covid-19 pandemic. Athens has become a destination in itself, and more fair a transit point between the international airport and athens, disillusioned residents face surcourism the port of Piraeus, nearby, to reach the islands of the Aegean Sea by boat. In a souvenir shop, the seller Konstantinos Marinakis rubs her hands. “The Greece Finally is better because of the good health of tourism which made it possible to straighten the economy of the country. to create employment ”he insists.

Athens “Now is one of the first 10 most visited cities in the world”assures. satisfied, its mayor, Haris Doukas, in an interview with AFP. However, recognizes the councilor, “There are areas like Plaka who are saturated with tourists”. “We are not yet at the Barcelona stadium But we must act before it is too late ”he said then that in the Spanish city. angry inhabitants denounce by demonstrating the excesses of mass tourism.

Protected area

A “Intervention unit” For Plaka has recently been created to enforce the rules. with the athens, disillusioned residents face surcourism support of the municipal police, in this district protected by a presidential decree. Any resident noting for example that a restaurateur encroaches with his tables on public space. that cars are parked on the sidewalk can come to complain to this municipal team.

“Between 1960. 1980, Plaka had been invaded by nightclubs and Bouzoukias [des établissements qui jouent de la musique traditionnelle grecque, ndlr]»Lydia Carters. “Many inhabitants had already left”according to her. Finally. in 1993 a presidential decree forced to close these clubs, protect the dwellings and specify the use of each building in the neighborhood.

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Hotels can open their doors to Plaka but only in specific streets. “Now this regulation is bypassed”denounces Dimitris Melissas, lawyer specializing in town planning. “Whole houses are transformed into several apartments rented on platforms” short -term rentals.

Prohibition of new tourist furnishings

In Plaka where only 2. athens, disillusioned residents face surcourism Additionally, 000 inhabitants live, tourists can in summer are up to four times more numerous, assures Mr. Melissas while no official statistical statisticals exists, the census being done at the level of the entire city. On behalf of Ellet. the lawyer seized the Council of State on the legality of 16 converted buildings entirely into seasonal rentals and which, according to him, in fact mask hotel establishments because they have reception or serve breakfasts on the terrace. The decision, expected by September, could be jurisprudence.

For the entire center of Athens where the number of seasonal rentals already amounted. in 2024, to more than 12,000, resulting in an unprecedented increase in rents, the conservative government voted to ban new apartments on short -term rental platforms for at least a year.

“But when I still read announcements in newspapers to invest in apartments transformed into Airbnb. I doubt the athens, disillusioned residents face surcourism effectiveness of this measure”comments Dimitris Melissas. “The problem in Greece is not to vote laws but to enforce them”concludes the lawyer.

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