Sector Body Says Greece Evaluation Process Thwarting Tourism

Greece’s ongoing negotiation and evaluation process may be taking a toll on tourism and forthcoming revenue, the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) said this week, adding that instead of its initial March forecast for more than 25 million visitors in 2016 (against 23.5 million in 2015), the figures may drop below those of 2015.

SETE, which represents over 50,000 tourism-related businesses in Greece, is describing the situation as being “on a razor edge” stressing the need for stability and competitiveness.

“The longer the evaluation process is extended, the stronger the belief that our country cannot provide stability and security, directly impacting Greece’s tourism and tourist destinations,” SETE said in its statement, adding that in the meantime, the government is moving ahead with the introduction of additional taxes, such as the so-called sleep tax, instead of offering incentives for investment, placing Greece last among its competitors – Cyprus, Croatia, Turkey, Spain and Italy – in this area.