Maroussi’s pursuit of tourist status a ruse?
The municipal council in the northern Athens suburb of Maroussi has asked city authorities to designate the area a tourist zone in a move that store workers say is aimed at allowing two large shopping malls to open on Sundays. Maroussi Mayor Giorgos Patoulis confirmed to Kathimerini that the Athens Prefecture has been asked to change the area’s classification but denied this was an attempt to extend shopping hours. He said other suburbs, such as Halandri and Kifissia, had also been classified as tourist areas but that this had not led to a change in opening hours. Patoulis said the Olympic Stadium complex, several museums, galleries and some 50 Byzantine churches made Maroussi a prime attraction for tourists. The Association of Athens Store Employees said that the move is designed to allow The Mall and Golden Hall shopping centers to stay open for longer.