The most recent session of the Environmental Committee of the South Aegean Region dealt with major tourism investments on Rhodes, Kos, Milos and Kea.
The agenda included new hotel complexes, upgrades of existing units and port-related interventions. The outcomes were mixed: several projects were approved, while others were postponed until the completion of local urban planning schemes, underlining the importance of proper spatial planning.
Rhodes – Mitsis Faliraki Beach Hotel
Approval was granted for the construction and operation of a pier in front of the hotel.
Rhodes – Interplaza S.A. (Profitis Ilias, Koskinou)
A large composite tourism development was proposed, featuring a five-star hotel with 394 rooms and 1,050 beds, 158 residences, a conference center for 2,500 participants and wellness facilities, on a 263,500 m² site. Examination of the Environmental Impact Assessment was unanimously postponed until the new local urban plans are finalized.
Kos – Casa Coa S.A. (Pyli)
The plan concerns a five-star hotel of 410 rooms (1,200 beds) in the Kardamaina–Agios Nikolaos area, on a 129,500 m² plot. The decision was also unanimously postponed.
Kos – Sunshine IKE (Tigaki)
The consolidation of two existing hotels into a single four-star unit with 190 beds was unanimously approved.
Milos – Milos Collection S.A. (Provatas)
Approval was given for a five-star hotel of 94 rooms and 188 beds, with dining and leisure facilities, on a 35,000 m² site.
Kea – Hills & Sea Kea S.A. (Vroskopos)
A major integrated tourism complex of 303 beds, including a five-star hotel, SPA and furnished residences, on a 174,000 m² property, was postponed until urban planning schemes are completed.
Rhodes – J and G S.A. (Lindos Kalezoe)
Approval was granted for a new five-star hotel of 84 beds in the Lindos area.
The mixed results highlight both the continued dynamism of investment interest in the South Aegean and the authorities’ insistence on proper planning before allowing large-scale tourism development.
