Justice Department makes it easier to deport those with DACA status
Justice Department's new policy makes it easier to deport DACA recipients.
NPR Topics: News1 min read
‘Athens cannot operate as a giant hotel’: mayor vows to rescue capital from overtourism
TL;DR
Athens' mayor Haris Doukas aims to combat overtourism threatening the city's authenticity. He calls for restrictions to prevent the capital from becoming a 'giant hotel' as visitor numbers soar.
Key points
- Mayor Haris Doukas warns of overtourism in Athens
- Over 8 million tourists visited Athens last year
- Short-term rentals have doubled in the Plaka district since 2018
- Soaring property rents are displacing local residents
- Athens risks losing its authenticity due to tourist congestion
Mentioned in this story
Haris DoukasAthens
In the heart of ancient Athens, on narrow streets and around archaeological sites, visitor groups appear to be everywhere, snaking their way behind tour guides.
Previously, officials would have welcomed such scenes. But for Haris Doukas, the socialist mayor who is determined to reclaim the capital’s congested city centre for its citizens, the start of tourist season leaves the city at risk of “over-saturation.” Entire neighbourhoods, he believes, are in danger of losing their authenticity because of uncontrolled tourist development.
“Athens cannot operate as if it were a giant hotel,” he said in an interview. “Restrictions and rules are needed. Cities must also have a say in the way they develop.”
Last year, more than 8 million people visited Athens, a record for a city that not long ago was regarded as a pit stop to the Greek isles. In short-term rentals alone, overnight stays in the popular Plaka district beneath the Acropolis have more than doubled since 2018, a study commissioned by the municipality recently revealed.
In the city’s neo-classical town hall, officials say time is of the essence if Athens is not to fall victim to its own success. The warning signs are everywhere: from soaring property rents that have priced out local people, to overstretched infrastructure buckling under the pressure.
“All of Athens is being dug up so that we can cope,” said Doukas, who was a climate energy professor before he went into local government. “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.” Every month “more staff, more equipment, more machines” were being taken on to meet the challenges.
Haris Doukas: ‘We want to say ‘enough is enough’ in a bill that is enshrined in law.’ Photograph: Helena Smith/The Guardian
Doukas assumed the post in 2024 after unexpectedly cruising to victory with the support of the main opposition Pasok party, on a pledge “to green” what is widely seen as the continent’s hottest capital. An estimated 3,855 trees have been planted around the 15 sq mile (39 sq km) municipality under his watch.
But as Athens’ appeal has grown, the mayor has found himself coming head-to-head with the forces he blames squarely for “runaway development” in prime tourist spots. Doukas has had his sights on construction companies that are determined to erect multi-storey buildings at the foot of the 5th century BC Acropolis, as well as property investors and entrepreneurs. He is also taking aim at the proliferation of often unlicensed roof-top bars and eateries.
Q&A
What measures is Athens' mayor proposing to combat overtourism?
Mayor Haris Doukas is advocating for restrictions and rules to manage tourist development and preserve the city's authenticity.
How many tourists visited Athens last year?
Over 8 million tourists visited Athens last year, marking a record for the city.
What impact has overtourism had on local residents in Athens?
Overtourism has led to soaring property rents, making it difficult for local residents to afford living in the city.
Why does the mayor believe Athens is at risk of losing its authenticity?
The mayor believes uncontrolled tourist development and overcrowding threaten the unique character of neighborhoods in Athens.
