Greek Hotel Chamber Backs HOTREC’s Call for Slashed VAT Rates

Proposals for the restriction of short-term rentals and the reduction of VAT rates for hotels in Europe, were welcomed by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) which represented Greek hoteliers at this year’s HOTREC general assembly held in Austria.

Delegates from 29 European countries attending HOTREC’s 76th general assembly last week, hailed among others a proposal tabled by the European Commission aiming to set new standards on transparency and fairness for online platforms and search engines.

HOTREC is the umbrella association representing European hotels, restaurants and cafés.

“Austria has already reduced the VAT rate for hotels from 13 percent to 10 percent with the vast majority of European countries having a much lower VAT rate on accommodation compared to Greece,” said HCH President Alexandros Vassilikos.

Referring to the HCH’s long-standing presence and historic participation in HOTREC activities, Vassilikos went on to underline the Chamber’s role in the formulation of the association’s policies.

Main issues examined during the HOTREC meeting were the restriction of short-term rentals for tourist use; the EC’s push for online platform transparency ensuring fair terms for all; and a proposed EU scheme foreseeing reduced VAT rates for all goods and services other than those explicitly stated, such as alcoholic beverages. If applied, this would pave the way for EU countries to individually introduce a reduced VAT rate on hotel and restaurant services.

Meanwhile, the Ηotel Technology Forum, offering networking opportunities for hi-tech startups, took place on the sidelines of the 76th annual assembly.