Implementation of Subproject 9, “Provision of consultancy support services for the carrying capacity assessment study of Attica regarding tourism flows and the formulation of proposed interventions aiming at enhancing carrying capacity and promoting a holistic tourism development approach for the region,” under the Action “Support Studies for the Region of Attica for the Specialisation of Development Priorities and Specific Actions during the 2021–2027 Programming Period.” (OPS Code: 5145430)

The creation of a model for holistic tourism development, aligned with the principles and priorities of sustainable development, is among the key pillars of the Strategic Action Plan for Tourism Promotion and Development of the Region of Attica. Within this framework, New Metropolitan Attica S.A. undertakes the carrying capacity assessment study for the Region of Attica with respect to tourism flows, along with the formulation of proposed interventions for its improvement.

The main objective of the study is to produce a substantiated analytical framework for evaluating Attica’s tourism carrying capacity and to leverage this knowledge for the planning of interventions and actions that will support the dynamic and sustainable development of the tourism and hospitality economy.

The study is structured into four sections:

1. Assessment and mapping of the carrying capacity of Attica regarding tourism flows
2. Mapping, documentation and identification of risks, areas for improvement and opportunities
3. Principles and guidelines for improving carrying capacity
4. Action Plan for improving carrying capacity

More specifically, the subproject aims to approach and assess the carrying capacity of Attica in terms of tourism flows, entry points, and hospitality infrastructure on a year-round basis. The assessment will take into account the volume of visitors as well as the temporal dimension (seasonality), spatial distribution (main entry points), and overall footprint (economic impact – visitor profiles – nuisance factors). The analysis will result in mapping and visualizing the levels of carrying capacity and its impacts, presenting a city tourism capacity mapping and a risk assessment mapping in the event of further increases in tourism flows.

Subsequently, the study will analyse and articulate a plan to enhance the carrying capacity of Attica, targeting sustainable tourism development in both quantitative and qualitative terms, with a focus on the following dimensions:

• Temporal (e.g. extension of the tourism season, promotion of tourism products during low-demand months).
• Spatial (e.g. dispersal of tourism flows across various areas of Attica).
• Tourism product (e.g. development of tourism products, infrastructure, investment proposals), taking into account the specific limitations and opportunities of individual areas (e.g. in terms of accommodation capacity and hospitality infrastructure).
• Investment-related (in terms of geographically targeted infrastructure development proposals).

The study, which will be completed within five (5) months, is part of the action “Support Studies for the Region of Attica for the Specialisation of Development Priorities and Specific Actions during the 2021–2027 Programming Period” (OPS Code: 5145430).