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Βy Haris Doukas
The Mayor of Athens
Athens: Our vision for Athens is one that is dynamic,
A Vision for a Sustainable sustainable, and inclusive. As we continue to at-
tract visitors from all over the world, we must also
and Thriving Future ensure that the experiences of our residents are not
overshadowed by the needs of tourists. This vision
respects the unique spirit of Athens — its rich cul-
As Mayor of Athens, I am honoured to share ture, history, and the resilience of its people — while
with you a bold and visionary path forward for our embracing the promise of what lies ahead.
beloved city. Athens, a place where ancient history
and vibrant modern life converge, stands at a cross- A Vision for a Balanced Future
roads. With tourism on the rise and more than 7 mil-
lion visitors gracing our streets in 2023, our city has
become a leading global destination. But with success Imagine a future where Athens is a city that
comes responsibility, and we must act with foresight thrives not only because of its tourism but in har-
to ensure Athens thrives for generations to come. mony with it. A future where visitors come to ex-
perience our culture and heritage yet leave with a
deeper understanding and respect for the communi-
While we are not a city overwhelmed by over-
tourism, we must acknowledge the “tourism fra- ty that makes this city so special. This is the Athens
gility” that comes with our growing popularity. The we strive to create — a city where residents flour-
recent Tourism Carrying Capacity Study sheds light ish alongside visitors, and where sustainable tourism
on an undeniable truth: our city is experiencing in- strengthens our economy without compromising the
creasing pressures on its infrastructure, resources, well-being of our citizens.
and neighbourhoods. However, this study is not just
a set of challenges — it is a call to action and a unique Our goal is clear: to create a tourism ecosystem
opportunity for us to proactively manage the future that benefits everyone. As we look ahead, we
of tourism in Athens. are committed to fostering partnerships with local
stakeholders and working alongside the community
to create experiences that reflect the heart of Athe-
For the first time, the city is equipped with a
comprehensive blueprint to address these chal- nian life. Together, we will build an Athens where
lenges head-on, ensuring that we do not simply react tourism serves as a catalyst for positive change —
to tourism’s growth but plan for it with wisdom and bringing economic growth, cultural exchange, and
care. As I have often said, “Athens must adopt pol- new opportunities to the city, all while preserving its
icies and practices as if we had overtourism, even authenticity.
though we do not, to avoid becoming a victim of our
own success.”
i GR E E C E TR A V E L
