Within the INTERSMARTS project, qualitative research through interviews with 30 tourism and environmental management stakeholders in Northern Greece clearly identified the challenges facing tourism in Macedonia and Thessaloniki, as well as the opportunities for transitioning to a sustainable development model.
- Overdevelopment and Imbalances
The research revealed serious impacts of overdevelopment. Infrastructure, especially road and transport, is often insufficient. The lack of public transport and poor road conditions limit accessibility—particularly in areas rich in cultural and natural resources.
Uncontrolled construction, rising rents, and social pressure on permanent residents have altered the character of many local communities. Environmental degradation is also evident—poor waste management, unchecked pollution, and water ecosystem decline. - Natural Resources Under Pressure
Tourism activity places pressure on natural resources:
Water: Increased consumption and inadequate wastewater treatment, especially in coastal areas like Halkidiki.
Land: Agricultural land is being converted into tourism facilities, undermining farming.
Energy: Summer peaks cause overconsumption and stress on the energy grid. - Innovation and Best Practices
Despite the challenges, several positive examples emerged: the development of the Thessaloniki Metro, green roofs, recycling rates exceeding the national average, and the integration of green technologies (e.g., smart energy and water management systems) by businesses.
The implementation of the RIS3 strategy by the Region of Central Macedonia and Sustainable Development Plans provide a framework for long-term solutions. - Policies & Certifications
Institutional support and a unified strategy are urgently needed. Experts highlight the value of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) and community involvement. Environmental certifications (e.g., Green Key, ISO 14001, ISO 21401) are recognized as tools for environmental protection and increased competitiveness. - Seasonality & Resource Imbalances
Seasonality causes resource use imbalances. During summer peaks:
Overconsumption of water and energy
Traffic congestion and emissions increase
Residents’ quality of life declines
In contrast, during the off-season, infrastructure is underused and business viability is at risk. - Investments and Barriers
Despite a positive climate, there are major obstacles to adopting sustainable practices:
High initial investment cost
Limited access to financing
Lack of expertise, especially among small businesses
Bureaucratic hurdles and lack of clear legal frameworks - Conclusions
The research showed that sustainable tourism development in Northern Greece is necessary, feasible, and desirable, but requires cooperation, investment, know-how, and strong political will.
The combination of innovation, education, environmental awareness, and local community participation can lead to a tourism model that respects the environment and strengthens local economies.