Homeglobal‘Athens cannot operate as a giant hotel’: mayor vows to rescue capital from overtourism

‘Athens cannot operate as a giant hotel’: mayor vows to rescue capital from overtourism

globalApril 25, 2026
1 min read
‘Athens cannot operate as a giant hotel’: mayor vows to rescue capital from overtourism
Haris Doukas warns that with 700,000 residents and 8 million tourists, people are being pushed out of their neighbourhoodsIn the heart of ancient Athens, on narrow streets and around archaeo
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Haris Doukas warns that with 700,000 residents and 8 million tourists, people are being pushed out of their neighbourhoods

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 much of its historic heart at risk of “over-saturation.” Entire neighbourhoods, he believes, are in danger of losing their authenticity because of uncontrolled tourist development.

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Source: Guardian - World News

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