Greek Tourism: Draft Bill Goes To Summer Session Of Parliament

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The draft bill for Greek tourism is being discussed today, 22 July, in Parliament’s summer session.

The discussion will conclude tomorrow 23 July and the bill will be put to vote.

According to the Greek Tourism Ministry, the draft bill includes a set of amendments aimed to improve the quality and identity of the national tourism product, which will create a friendly investment environment that can be used by private initiative.

Among other things, the draft bill simplifies the procedures for the operation of tourism businesses in Greece and sets the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels as the body responsible for the classification of Greek hotels.

Another part of the bill includes provisions on matters related to special tourism infrastructural facilities such as tourist ports, ski resorts, hotel complexes and condo hotels.

The draft bill includes a whole section on Greece’s special forms of tourism and defines the standards for wine tourism, agritourism and medical/health tourism.

The draft bill also enables the Tourism Ministry to receive financial donations in the form of grants for Greece’s tourism promotion.

In addition, the draft bill includes the revised institutional framework of the Greek Tourism Organization (GNTO) in order for it to become “a modern and flexible organization that promotes the country’s tourism product.”

For additional information (in Greek) on the draft tourism bill entitled “Simplification of procedures for the operation of tourism businesses, infrastructure, special forms of tourism and other regulations,” press here.