Tourism Law in Europe

12 IV.2.1. Municipalities Since the founding of the modern Greek state, the 27 December 1833 Royal Decree “On the establishment of Municipalities” (GG 3 10-01-1834) acknowledged the importance of local communities as key actors. In accordance with Article 102 of the Constitution of Greece (1975/1986/2001/2008), conducting local affairs is the responsibility of first- and second-tier local government. The first Code of Municipalities and Communities was created with Law No. 1065/1980, which has undergone three (3) codifications (PDs 75/1985, 323/1989 and 410/1995). The last one did not include any major provision as regards local tourism development. The current Code of Municipalities and Communities [Law No. 3463/2006 “Ratification of the Code of Municipalities and Communities” (GG Α´ 114 08-06-2006)] acknowledges the key significance of tourism for regional development and highlights the growth of local tourism in conjunction with the creation of a special legal framework. It bestows various competences on municipal and communal authorities, among which are the preparation, implementation and participation in tourism development programmes in the areas concerned, the promotion of alternative types of tourism, as well as the creation of resorts and other leisure or holiday facilities 12 , the development of cultural tourism 13 , the subsidisation of entities that contribute to tourism growth and the promotion of the community 14 , without forgetting the connection of agricultural production with tourism development 15 . As mandated by Article 45(ΙΙ)(23) Law No. 3463/2006, the Municipalities and Communities may exercise, at a local level, powers of a state character which they have been granted to better serve citizens, in line with the pertinent legislation, such as supervising the compliance with tourism laws by tourism-related businesses. IV.2.2. Regional Units As mandated by Article 85 Law No. 3852/2010 “New Architecture of Local and Devolved Administration – Kallikratis Program”, residents and employees of any community have the right, at least once a year, to submit proposals to the respective local governing 12 Article 75(I)(a)(8). 13 Article 75(I)(f)(8). 14 Article 75(I)(f)(8). 15 Article 75(I)(g)(8).