10 Tourism Priorities, Greek PM

In November 2011, while representing the main opposition of the Greek Government, today’s Prime Minister Antonis Samaras made promises to a room full of hoteliers at the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels’ first general meeting.

Last year, while representing the main opposition of the Greek Government, today’s Prime Minister Antonis Samaras promised a room full of hoteliers (during the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels’ first general meeting) that once in government, the New Democracy party would go ahead with 10 priorities for Greek tourism.

1. Reduction of entire travel package VAT rate to 4.5 percent.
2. Re-establishment of Tourism Ministry under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister.
3. Establishment of a marketing company based on public-private sector partnership.
4. Completion of the institutional framework for special forms of tourism and finalization of infrastructure for marinas, golf courses and conferences.
5. Full lifting of cabotage restrictions.
6. Cut red tape for faster investment procedures.
7. Upgrade of tourism education.
8. Development of a new aviation strategy with reduced fees at Greek airports.
9. Direct application of regulations for special accommodation complexes.
10. Preparation of an autonomous planning strategy for Athens so the city would regain its competitiveness as a tourism destination.