The BBC reported on its on-site theme on Exarchia and Airbnb. Based on a Facebook page entitled “Exarcheia Tourism”, Britain’s television network carries a message posted on social media and proceeds to analysis-commentary on the area in Athens.
“Instagram tourists,police officers won’t save you,” the post on the social network reads, with a double message: “You’re not welcome here and you’re not safe here. Owner, your door is next.”
The rise in tourists due to Airbnb has increased rental prices, the BBC claims. We are all experiencing a new reality through the room rental platform and some areas have undergone greater changes than others.
Anarchist groups and activists in the area do not want to alteration of Exarcheia and make sure to show it to both tourists and apartment owners who rent via Airbnb. One of the founders of the Exarcheia Tourism page, speaking to the BBC, said their main aim was to encourage action against gentrification.
The alteration of the area
The British network made a brief historical flashback to Exarchia from the mid-1970s to the present day. It referred to the murder of Alexandros Grigoropoulos and of course to the anarchist and radical groups active in the region.
“We are not against tourism. We are against the economic model of tourism that is tearing cities apart,” said the founder of the action. And perhaps this is right when apartments that used to rent 200 euros are now advertised for 600 euros. A problem that seems to be growing as we start to hear more and more problems with Airbnb.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Exarcheia Tourism Facebook page was created by activists and anarchist groups in the Exarcheia district of Athens to raise awareness about gentrification caused by Airbnb and short-term rentals. The page's main aim is to encourage action against gentrification and discourage tourism that they believe is changing the area's identity and community character.
The rise of Airbnb in Exarcheia has significantly increased rental prices in the area. According to reports, apartments that previously rented for around 200 euros are now being advertised for 600 euros or more, representing a substantial increase in housing costs that has displaced long-term residents and altered the neighborhood's demographics.
Gentrification refers to the process of neighborhood change through increased investment and rising property values, often resulting in displacement of lower-income residents. In Exarcheia, activists argue that Airbnb accelerates gentrification by attracting tourists, increasing rental prices, and changing the area's identity, ultimately tearing apart the community's character and social fabric.
Through the Exarcheia Tourism Facebook page and other activism, local groups are sending a clear message: 'You're not welcome here and you're not safe here.' This is directed at both Instagram tourists using Airbnb and apartment owners who rent through the platform, as activists work to discourage short-term rental tourism in the neighborhood.
No, Exarcheia activists have stated they are not against tourism itself. According to a founder of the Exarcheia Tourism page, their position is: 'We are not against tourism. We are against the economic model of tourism that is tearing cities apart.' Their opposition focuses specifically on Airbnb's business model and its impact on housing prices and community preservation.
