City of Athens Unveils Results of Tourism Carrying Capacity Study

Following a year of intensive work, the City of Athens has presented the findings of its Tourism Carrying Capacity Study. The study was carried out by Develop Athens S.A., in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Studies at the University of Piraeus and the technical office Gimisis + Associates.

While Athens is not currently experiencing overtourism, the study reveals signs of “tourism vulnerability”—a growing sensitivity in the city’s infrastructure due to increasing tourist numbers.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas stated:
“This is the first time such a comprehensive study has been conducted to assess the city’s resilience amid rising tourism flows in recent years. The Carrying Capacity Study gives us a significant advantage: the ability to act preemptively. It allows us to understand the true conditions in both the city center and its neighborhoods, so we can move forward with a strategic plan. It’s clear that the Greek capital must implement policies and practices as if it were already facing overtourism—even if it isn’t—so we avoid becoming a victim of our own success.”

Ioannis Georgizas, CEO of Develop Athens, added:
“I want to thank all the organizations that worked with us, as well as the study team, the dedicated staff at Develop Athens, our partners at the University of Piraeus, Assistant Professor Sotiris Varelas from the Department of Tourism Studies, and Vasilis Gimisis, director of the technical office Gimisis + Associates, who devoted hundreds of hours to analyzing data and producing valuable insights. We are now ready to take the next steps, for the good of Athens.”

Despite this balance in numbers, the effects of tourism saturation are visible in specific ways. According to the Study’s main findings, certain districts, including Plaka, Monastiraki, Makrygianni, and Psyrri, are experiencing a transformation where traditional residential areas are increasingly giving way to tourism-oriented businesses. At the same time, pressures are rising in peripheral neighbourhoods, leading to rising costs and notable effects on the real estate market and residents' quality of life.

Despite these challenges, the influx of visitors during the high tourist season (May – October) does not seem to place excessive strain on the city, as many permanent residents leave Athens during this time, keeping the balance between residents and visitors relatively stable.

Furthermore, Athens, as a "city break" destination, receives tourists year-round, leading to a constant level of strain on the city's resources, without any significant breaks in tourism activity.

Residents generally view tourism positively, recognising its role in adding vibrancy to daily life. However, visitors have voiced concerns about specific issues like noise pollution, overcrowding, and accessibility challenges at popular sites. Through strategic planning and a commitment to sustainable tourism practices, Athens aims to balance the needs of residents and tourists while preserving the city's unique character for future generations.

See the main findings of the Study (in Greek) here.