Tourism Law in Europe

11 local communities. HPPC S.A.’s scope extends to the administration, management and exploitation of public property (fixed and movable) and of GNTO’s business units, along the guidelines set by the national tourism policy. Moreover, the Company aims to exploit, in the public interest, all immovable property assets under its ownership, in accordance with Law No. 4389/2016. This includes the property assets whose management HPPC S.A. has taken over from other public companies and from public law or private law entities, part of the wider public sector. The Company is responsible for exploiting in the public interest and developing the tourist capacity of all immovable property in its ownership, as well as those it assumes the management of. These are mainly assets owned by the GNTO, such as real estate of major tourist interest (former XENIA hotels, public tourism property, tourist facilities, etc.). Furthermore, the Company operates business units as branches (marinas, beaches and thermal springs), the short-term lease of facilities and outdoor spaces suitable for a variety of events (exhibitions, concerts, conferences, seminars, receptions and so on) and, at the same time, is an active party in partnerships for the development, operation and exploitation of tourism property. IV.2. Tourism and Local Communities The public sector and especially local communities play a pivotal role in bolstering tourism, as evinced in local governments being responsible for the implementation of national and regional strategies aiming at regional development. The powers devolved from the central government to local authorities mainly include economic planning, logistics management and regional planning. In addition, these authorities are in charge of locally implementing national tourism policy and handling various tourism-related issues – such as the provision of necessary tourist facilities, securing financial aid for accommodation and equipment, safeguarding of control mechanisms and environmental protection through sustainable development – since they possess better knowledge regarding the needs of particular areas and their local population.