Legislation Tabled for Spa Tourism

Legislation was tabled in parliament recently that if passed would modernize Greece’s 1920 legislation regarding spa tourism. Government says the new legislation would create a solid base for the development of spa tourism in Greece by both the public and private sector.

However, it said that the basic aim of the legislation was to entice high-income consumers and those interested in improving their health through the use of the natural healing properties of spa units. To develop spa tourism, the legislation will attempt to attract the needed investment from both the public and private sector.

If the legislation is passed, many present spa locations administered by local authorities will have the possibility of being turned over to enterprises that would be willing to invest in spa development projects. Private and public enterprises interested would sign long-term leases of up to 99 years. The same legislation would make it easier to lease large tracts of church-owned properties.

Also included in the legislation are tax incentives and the like for the training of specialized, administrative and health personnel. For example, these specialists could receive government benefits in order to study at recognized spa centers abroad.