ek magazine 302 | November Issue 2025

Architecture and Tourism

Recently, the press has drawn attention to a growing number of Greek islands requesting that the government introduce a daily visitor fee to help cover the costs associated with overtourism. The idea is not new – similar measures have already been implemented in popular destinations such as Venice, and others are preparing to follow.

In an era where travel across the globe has become easier, faster, and – under certain conditions – more affordable, competition among tourist destinations is fiercer than ever. Yet if tourism is, as often described, Greece’s “heavy industry,” then the conversation about shaping the long-term identity and defining features of the country’s tourism model must inevitably include architecture.

Among the most critical factors for the sustainability of this model are the redesign of infrastructure, the establishment of protection zones, and the clarification of building regulations for each region. At the same time, the architecture of tourist accommodation in Greece faces a broader set of challenges: beyond functionality, it must achieve aesthetic quality and sustainability, ensuring, at least in part, the harmonious integration of new developments into their surroundings, and especially into the delicate Greek landscape, which too often suffers irreversible damage.

Across the different categories and types of tourist facilities, the most dynamic growth is currently seen in the reuse and renovation of existing structures. The conversion of abandoned hotel complexes or other buildings – particularly those with cultural or industrial heritage – within both urban and peri-urban settings offers significant advantages. This is part of a wider international trend driven by principles of economy and sustainability, increasingly supported not only in architectural design but also in the design of furniture and objects.

This themed issue aims to highlight the most distinguished examples of recently completed hospitality projects in Greece and Cyprus, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the architecture of tourism and contributing to the broader dialogue surrounding it. In this spirit, ek magazine once again undertakes the full curation and coordination of the architectural presentations that will take place during the “Xenia 2025” exhibition, at the specially designed “Red Spot Stage” from November 22–24. The objective is to showcase both the challenges faced and the best practices achieved. Over the course of three days, these talks will bring together architects, hoteliers, investors, and the wider public, forming an evolving archive that captures the yearly trends and developments shaping the present of Greek tourism. Through the careful selection of projects and presentations, we hope to outline examples that can guide its future direction.

Ariadni Vozani