Greek Hoteliers Unclear About New ‘Stayover Tax’

Greek hoteliers are unclear regarding the details surrounding the new stayover tax, which is expected to take effect on January 1, 2018.

The Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX) on Thursday said that all involved — Greek hoteliers, partners in and outside Greece and Greek and foreign customers — are confused regarding the details of the new tax and wondering when the government will publish the necessary decision, which lists necessary clarifications and other information in regards to the new tax.

The stayover tax will apply to hotels and be calculated based on the number of overnight stays and the category of the accommodation unit, ranging from 50 cents to four euros per room.

“The Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers has warned from the start, months ago, about the negative effects of this measure on Greek tourism, on the already high competitiveness of our hotel product and, of course, on the national economy,” POX underlined in its announcement.

According to a study by Grant Thornton, the stayover tax is ultimately expected to cause losses to the Greek economy to the tune of some 340 million euros.