Quality, Stronger Capacity Tops Greek Accommodation Body SETKE Agenda

Increasing room capacity, introducing a new hotel rating system, and laying out quality standards topped the agenda of the Greek Confederation of Tourist Accommodation Enterprises (SETKE) annual conference held last week in Athens.

Addressing the event, which was attended by Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura, Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) President Yiannis Retsos and sector stakeholders, SETKE President Panagiotis Tokouzis referred to the challenges ahead including unregulated home-sharing practices as well as increased taxation on hospitality enterprises.

Tokouzis reiterated the confederation’s call for a unified distinctive badge applicable to all tourist accommodation units Europe-wide. SETKE has already submitted the relevant proposal to the European Parliament’s tourism committee.

SETKE President Panagiotis Tokouzis.

Referring to the past year’s activities, SETKE’s president pointed to the success of the newly launched Breakfast Basket initiative which aims to promote local products; the launch of the confederation’s new online platform where owners can keep up to date on the latest news and developments or promote their enterprises for free; SETKE’s collaboration with Marketing Greece for the promotion of its activities; the creation of the Tourist Development Institute for research in the field; the introduction of two new brand names, the “Elite” category for high-standard accommodation and “Smotel” for businesses regardless of category and size that meet specific standards.

On her part, Minister Kountoura referred to the role of the country’s strong economy in the development of tourism as well as to the regulatory framework set forth by the ministry addressing issues that have plagued the sector for decades and ensuring the smooth operation of the tourism market.

During the event, Tokouzis honored the minister with an honorary plaque for her contribution to the development of the tourism sector and her support to the tourism professionals of the industry.