Since the beginning of August, discussions have been open on the topic of a new tourism model that is developing in Greece. The central role is played by the holiday home, an “unexplored” category of tourism product that responds to a strong international trend towards more personalized experiences and services. After a well-started discussion, I think the messages are mixed, with VIP villas, capacity per location, over-tourism, punctuality, “lost Greek summer” and non-existent infrastructure in a vague and sometimes offensive way.

The tourist residence must be recognized in its true dimension, mapped in all its aspects and included in the overall strategic planning for the coming decade. On the example of Antiparos, I will try to offer a reference field for the development of reasoning on this issue. Antiparos has so far been a controlled development example with 50% of the island covered in forests, with 8 acres of land, two settlements and the countryside of Campos. It has become known in recent years for VIP villas, as the new term is popularly known, with award-winning architecture catering to residents such as current official resident Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. The Hellenic Chamber of Hotels has officially registered 370 hotel beds for Antiparos (2021). Looking for additional information in SETE research and other agencies, we do not find any references to Antiparos in general, let alone Airbnb or other categories of tourist or other accommodation. In fact, in addition to the 1200 permanent residents, OLIAROS has an estimated 4500-5000 more visitors and residents during the summer, and 2000-6000 visitors pass through Paros daily, depending on the season. On the basis of what data and assumptions can proper strategic planning of tourism be made when an entire category of tourism product is ignored, in addition to traditional hotels and rental rooms? Funds for the development and support of infrastructure on the basis of what data do they come out?

To be fair, with the recent initiative of the municipality, the region, the inhabitants of the island, and with the support and funding of the current government, two-year projects have been launched to modernize the infrastructure, biological treatment, laying a fiber optic network. , connection of a second DeDiYE line, composting, recycling, mooring at the boat port and installation of chargers. There is already a possibility for a network measurement interface. At OLIAROS, we are already planning to convert all of our homes to 100% PV, with an average PV area of ​​150 sqm. for the house.

The truth is that a tavern for 15-20 euros and a room for 30 euros or a booze for 5 euros – all “black” – are a thing of the past.

What finally happened this summer on Antiparos? June and July turned out to be record months for everyone on Antiparos, and August was a “strange” month in general. In August, all categories of visitors reacted warily to the rise in prices. They decided to “stay inside” mostly in residential accommodation, the number of day visitors from Paros was less and the number of middle and low income tourists was limited. In the same month, Greek, Italian and Scandinavian tourists with low and middle income did not choose Antiparos because of the cost of ferries, accommodation and food, although these were not replaced by higher incomes in similar numbers. While per capita consumption has remained at the same level or even 10% lower than in 2021, that is, all categories have “cambered” this year, not just the lowest incomes. The truth is that a €15-20 tavern, a €30 room and a cheap fake drink – all “black” – are a thing of the past. Without infrastructure and quality, there can be no strategic tourism planning. The main goal, in order not to lose the Greek summer, should be to increase per capita income. And it will be done with long-term, deliberate growth and hard work.

Our property and environment are the national treasure of Greece, which belongs to many owners, and we must all protect it. The tourist model has already changed dynamically with the development of the tourist residence. SETE and the state must recognize the change in its real scale and include it in their planning. All stakeholders as well as visitors must acquire a common vision and defend it collectively and individually. Architects, brokers, contractors and developers should not cultivate and give in to our clients’ requirements unless they are part of a common vision and purpose, but we should all be willing to observe and offer updated products, services and experiences with a unique Greek mark.

Offer for Antiparos

On Antiparos, a plan must be drawn up for the next decade, determining the combination of accommodation and services of all categories, taking into account the capacity of the island and the lengthening of the season, as well as the time of stay of the inhabitants of the second home. on the island. As Paros evolves with new products, day visitors from Paros are likely to continue to be limited, freeing up capacity on Antiparos.

I propose with this plan to add 400-500 beds to 4-5 star hotels, register all tourist accommodation categories and set a target number of beds for each category. Campos Antiparos should remain a rural area with farmhouses up to 150 sq.m., in Agios Georgios, construction should be limited to 200 sq.m. per 1 acre, 300 sq.m., per two acres, 360 sq.m. m. for 4 acres. Finally, perfection for off-plan residences should be up to 10 acres, and for hotels up to 20 acres with a maximum capacity of 100 beds. The port should become pedestrian, a ring road should be built to the west of the village, and the infrastructure should be upgraded based on a 10-year plan.

* Mr. Jason Tsakonas is the Managing Director of OLIAROS.