Athens Eyes Stricter Rules as Tourist Numbers Surge

British tourists planning to visit Greece this year may face new restrictions as the country grapples with unprecedented visitor numbers. In 2024, over 4.5 million UK residents visited Greece, and authorities anticipate that this figure could rise to 10 million international tourists in 2025. The mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, has acknowledged the need for stricter regulations to ensure that the city does not succumb to the pressures of mass tourism.

The announcement comes as Athens prepares to implement strict health and safety regulations starting on October 1, 2025. These new rules will affect all short-term rental properties, a category that has seen significant growth in recent years, contributing to a housing crisis in the city. Local residents are increasingly unable to afford housing as property owners convert long-term rentals into short-term holiday homes.

Mayor Doukas emphasized the need for sustainable tourism practices, stating, “This year we will have 10 million tourists in Athens. The numbers are crazy and show that tourist flows are increasing dramatically.” He noted that a study on the city’s carrying capacity suggests that complacency is not an option. “We have a big problem,” he added, addressing the urgent need for action.

The city has established a Sustainable Tourism Observatory to monitor overcrowding in popular areas. This initiative collects data on the number of available rental properties in relation to the local population, allowing officials to respond when certain neighborhoods become overcrowded. As Doukas explained, “When a location turns red, we immediately call the platforms,” referring to companies like Airbnb. This proactive approach aims to manage tourist distribution effectively.

New regulations will require short-term rental properties to meet specific safety standards, including compliance with ventilation, air conditioning, and pest control measures. Properties must also have civil liability insurance, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and emergency contact information. Those who fail to comply with these regulations may face fines of €5,000 (approximately £4,334).

Despite the potential for tighter regulations, Doukas expressed his reluctance to impose measures like tourist entry fees, which were recently trialed in Venice. He indicated that Athens is not yet at a crisis point similar to that of Barcelona or Venice but stressed the importance of preparing for the future to avoid such situations. “We must prepare now so that we don’t become Barcelona,” he warned, highlighting the potential for social unrest if local residents feel priced out of their neighborhoods.

Concerns about overtourism are growing, as seen in other parts of Europe, particularly Spain, where protests against excessive tourism have become common. Consumer organization Which? noted that popular destinations are actively trying to reduce tourist numbers to alleviate the strain on local resources. “Travellers may now be resistant to visit certain areas like Spain due to the increase in tourist tax and overtourism protests,” the organization stated.

Travel expert Kaitlyn Brajcich from Sustainable Travel International pointed out the economic disparities caused by tourism. “Despite the substantial revenue generated by tourism, many locals feel left out of the booming visitor economy,” she wrote. This situation can lead to increased social tensions, as residents perceive tourism as degrading their quality of life.

As Athens braces for another busy tourist season, city officials are carefully monitoring the situation. Doukas’s office and Airbnb have been contacted for further comments on the new regulations and their implications for the city’s tourism strategy. The data expected later this month will be crucial in determining whether additional measures, such as a potential ban on certain short-term rentals, will be necessary to protect Athens from the impacts of over-tourism.