Kefalogianni: Big Investments Coming To Greece

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo © GTP

The investment department of the Greek Tourism Ministry is currently reviewing a series of major investment proposals, some that are already in the pre-implementation phase, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said on 30 June while presenting the new draft bill for tourism to a special parliamentary committee.

The draft bill “Simplification of procedures for the operation of tourism businesses, infrastructure, special forms of tourism and other regulations,” was tabled in Parliament by the Greek Tourism Ministry on Friday 27 June.

“With the return of confidence from foreign markets, we are optimistic that potential investors will want to take advantage of the new opportunities provided by the institutional framework, the clear spatial planning, the significantly simplified licensing procedures and tourism products introduced or redesigned,” Mrs. Kefalogianni said.

The Greek tourism minister added during the January-April 2014 period, arrivals in Greece showed a 20 percent increase, showing that Greek tourism was conquering seasonality.

In regards to the draft bill, Mrs. Kefalogianni highlighted the most important reforms expected to strenthen tourism entrepreneurship and resolve various issues in the sector.

Among other provisions, the draft bill speeds up the process for hotels, campsites and lodgings to obtain a license (special operational seal) in no more than 50 days from the day the application is submitted.

The draft bill also defines the standards for the operation of hotel complexes and special forms of tourism (wine tourism and medical/health tourism).