In a decisive move to preserve the character and integrity of its historic center, the Municipality of Athens announced the formation of a dedicated municipal task force to oversee and protect the city’s iconic center.
The initiative aims to crack down on illegal activities threatening Athens’ urban and cultural fabric, particularly in the Plaka district, a historic neighborhood on the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis and a major tourist attraction.
“We have an obligation to preserve the identity and character of our unique historic center,” said Athens Mayor Haris Doukas. “Cracking down on illegal activities and the reckless commercialization of our historic sites is a top priority, so that we can pass on a rich legacy to the younger generations.”
The task force brings together experts from key municipal departments, including technical services, the Municipal Police, city planning and urban environment, cleaning and recycling, construction and road works, electrical and sewerage services, and municipal revenues.
Mayor Doukas went on to add that the new unit will increase inspections to ensure strict adherence to land use regulations with a specific focus on rooftop constructions, noise pollution, and the proliferation of short-term tourist rentals. Municipal Police inspections have already identified numerous violations in Plaka, including businesses unlawfully using rooftops in clear breach of zoning laws.
The municipality will also be setting up a Citizens’ Complaints Office at Municipal Police headquarters in Varvakeios Central Market Square. Residents will be able to report issues including zoning infringements, sanitation and noise violations, and expedite resolution.
The task force initiative marks a significant step in Athens’ broader strategy to balance tourism with sustainability and quality of life for local residents. With tourist arrivals increasing in view of the summer season and urban pressures mounting, city officials hope the task force will help enforce long-standing regulations while protecting the charm and cultural significance of the Greek capital’s historic neighborhoods.
Source: Tovima.com
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
Istanbul Earthquake – Greek Prof. Concerned Major Quake Yet to Strike
Responding to concerns over whether a potential major quake in Istanbul could affect Greece, Papazachos was reassuring: “The fault extends as far as Lemnos and the Northern Sporades, but it doesn’t rupture all at once. An earthquake in Istanbul doesn’t have the capacity to directly affect Greek territory.”
Greece 4th Most Popular Summer Destination for Europeans
Southern Europe remains the top choice for Europeans at 41%, though down 8% from last year, likely due to rising temperatures and climate concerns.
Easter Sales Performance and the Source of €4–5 Million in Losses
Easter retail sales were relatively weak this year, with the only "real winners" being the livestock farmers who had lambs to sell.
Hotel Foreclosures Continue to Plague Greece’s Islands
A surge in hotel foreclosures across Greece’s islands threatens small tourism businesses, despite booming visitor numbers and record-breaking travel in 2024.
WTTC: Travel & Tourism to Create 4.5M New Jobs in EU by 2035
This year, international visitor spending is set to reach 573 billion euros, up by more than 11% year-on-year
IMF: US Tariffs Shake Global Economy, Outlook Downbeat
IMF slashes global growth forecast to 2.8% as U.S. tariffs create uncertainty and ‘negative supply shock
First Step Towards New Audiovisual Industry Hub in Drama
The project is set to contribute to the further development of Greece’s film industry and establish Drama as an audiovisual hub in the region
Airbnb Greece – Initial CoS Ruling Deems Tax Circular Unlawful
The case reached the Council of State following annulment applications filed by the Panhellenic Federation of Property Owners (POMIDA)
Mitsotakis Unveils €1 Billion Plan for Housing, Pensioners, Public investments
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a new set of economic support measures, worth 1 billion euros, aiming to provide financial relief to citizens.
Alter Ego Ventures Invests in Pioneering Gaming Company ‘Couch Heroes’
Alter Ego Ventures' participation in the share capital of Couch Heroes marks yet another investment by the Alter Ego Media Group in innovative companies with a focus on technology.
![Accor: Η βιωσιμότητα «κλειδί» για την ανάπτυξη και ανθεκτικότητα του ελληνικού τουρισμού [έρευνα]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/thumbnail-90x90.jpg)
![Accor: Η βιωσιμότητα «κλειδί» για την ανάπτυξη και ανθεκτικότητα του ελληνικού τουρισμού [έρευνα]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/thumbnail-600x400.jpg)
