Greek Hoteliers Seek Clarifications for Copyright Levies

The Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) is calling on Culture Minister Lydia Koniordou to proceed with a framework that will clearly define copyright and related rights fees that accommodation facilities are required to pay to collecting societies for the use of television in the rooms.

In a letter to the minister, the HCH underlines its ongoing efforts and negotiations with the relevant collection societies and copyright bodies for the resolution of the problem, requesting that the minister revise a framework that defines the said fees.

In this direction the HCH proposes the payment of a lump sum to a single umbrella collecting body to be responsible for allocating the fees to the copyright beneficiaries; clarifying which copyright and related rights collecting societies are entitled to remuneration from hotel businesses due to installation of televisions in the rooms and in public areas; and laying out the provisions that will ensure fair and objective charges taking into account factors such as occupancy, destination, popularity and use.

The HCH goes on to add that it has repeatedly demonstrated its members’ respect of intellectual rights and that it is time to seek new approaches that will benefit all parties involved.