Greek Hoteliers Send Minister Notes on Tourism Bill

Greek hoteliers are calling on Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura to re-examine a series of revisions to a draft bill which includes a provision on special tourism infrastructure.

Titled “Modifications for the Modernization of the Institutional Framework Regulating the Tourism Sector”, the 31-article bill aims to lay out the guidelines and bring legislation covering tourism-related issues up to date and in line with international standards in view of the sector’s leading role as a driver of the economy.

In a letter to Kountoura, Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (POX) President Grigoris Tasios notes that the right to construction should only be granted to hotel ventures in order to secure quality standards; the classification of facilities as “rooms to let” must be approved by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels and be included in its registry.

Tasios notes that POX sees the establishment of co-owned hotels as a positive step which can contribute to the development of the country’s tourism product as long as quality services are guaranteed.

The federation has requested a joint meeting with environment ministry officials to resolve licensing issues faced by hotel businesses.

For the complete draft bill on tourism (in Greek), press here.