Possible New Tax Measures Worry Greek Hotel Industry

The Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX) on Friday voiced concern over the impact new measures would have on the hotel sector and the national economy in general, during a meeting with Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura.

The federation’s delegation, led by POX President Yiannis Retsos, informed Ms. Kountoura on the development of this year’s tourism season and referred to a series of current and timeless issues faced by the hospitality industry.

POX expressed concern over the impact that new measures — such as an increase in VAT rates and a new luxury tax charged on accommodation in 5-star hotels and resorts — would have on the viability of the sector.

The hoteliers underlined that any extra charges to the country’s tourism product — especially in the midst of the new tourist season — would be a blow to the competitiveness of Greek tourism at a time when thousands of small Greek hotel businesses already face serious liquidity and sustainability problems and while international competition is intensifying.

The alternate tourism minister assured the hoteliers that no emergency measures would be implemented on the tourism sector until September. She stressed that even in September no action would be taken if not first discussed with the tourism ministry and Greece’s tourism bodies.