A note by the publisher

Greek hotel owners have a serious problem. They can’t seem to get together to agree on the requirements to categorize their units under the international star system. It’s a problem that has been plaguing the industry for almost a decade.

The latest efforts by government quarters to push hoteliers into accepting the new system appears to have had no effect. Develop Minister Venizelos had given hoteliers 15 days to forward proposals for any changes felt necessary in the system created by the Hellenic Tourism Organization. That was well over a month ago and replies were not forthcoming. And now, with elections underway, and the time it take afterwards to get things back to normal, it’s very doubtful that we will see a star system in Greek hotels this year.

That is a shame because such a system would give a major boost to the quality of services offered in the Greek tourism sector. For example, in an attempt to acquire the highest star rating possible, Greek hoteliers would modernize and upgrade their units. Funding would be available from the government’s development law and the EU’s structural funds.

As well, an international star system at Greek hotels would ensure guests get the service and comfort they expect for the price they pay according to star category they select. There would be few disappointments.

So, what’s holding back hoteliers? The most accepted answer is that the international star system classification would place many Greek hotels into a lower category. That means lower rates and lower profits. But with an investment in modernization, most respectable hotel units could keep or increase their rating and in the end increase their profits. A number of units have already done so. Perhaps it is finally time hoteliers as whole looked a little further ahead than to this summer’s potential profits.