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Cultural heritage on islands: pressures from tourism, Airbnb and conservation challenges: evidence from Rhodes Island, Greece

Author

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  • Efstratia Chatzi
  • Evangelia – Theodora Derdemezi
  • Georgios Tsilimigkas

Abstract

Tourism has transformed Rhodes Island into a major destination, but unregulated growth threatens its cultural heritage. This study analyses the spatial relationship between short-term rentals, built-up expansion and heritage zones using GIS-based methods. Results show that over 46% of built-up areas lie outside official settlements, with 20% overlapping archaeological sites. Of 953 Airbnb listings in these zones, 64% are outside settlements. These patterns reveal heritage landscapes becoming informal tourism hubs, increasing pressure on archaeological and historical areas. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated spatial planning and sustainable land-use policies to safeguard cultural heritage from tourism-driven expansion.

Suggested Citation

  • Efstratia Chatzi & Evangelia – Theodora Derdemezi & Georgios Tsilimigkas, 2025. "Cultural heritage on islands: pressures from tourism, Airbnb and conservation challenges: evidence from Rhodes Island, Greece," Planning Practice & Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(5), pages 1240-1262, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cpprxx:v:40:y:2025:i:5:p:1240-1262
    DOI: 10.1080/02697459.2025.2547980
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