Former Greek Tourism Minister Slams New Draft Bill

Nikos Skoulas

Former tourism minister Nikos Skoulas has suggested for the new draft bill for Greek tourism to be withdrawn and written from scratch with the assistance of the sector’s professionals, workers and all of those who know and serve tourism.

The new draft tourism bill went public recently when it was published for comment by the Tourism Ministry.

In his statement, Mr. Skoulas said the entire law was “sloppy,” poorly drafted and full of contradictions.

Among critical observations about the bill, the former tourism minister said it leads to the “dissolution” of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) and treats GNTO executives as “objects.”

He added that the draft law “degrades” the country’s tour guide school and is totally “vague” on the proposed policy for agritourism.

“Tourism is such a serious matter for the economy and society, which can not simply be a matter of personal choice for anyone,” the former Greek tourism minister concluded.

Mr. Skoulas has served the Greek Government for an eight year period in various capacities including Secretary General of the GNTO and Minister of Tourism.

To see Mr. Skoulas’ open letter (in Greek), press here.