Greek Hoteliers Call on Minister to Address Vacation Rentals Law Omissions 

The Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX) is calling on the government to re-examine the legal framework covering short-term vacation rentals spurred by the recent launch of an electronic registry for property owners.

In a letter to Alternate Finance Minister Katerina Papanatsiou and Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura, POX notes that the phenomenon of short-term vacation rentals is here to stay and with this in mind, clear regulations must be in place that will secure fair play as well as ensure quality and health conditions are met.

POX joins the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels and the Greek Confederation of Tourist Accommodation Enterprises (SETKE) among others, in voicing their concerns over the relevant law and its failure to address a number of issues.

“Short-term rental of real estate is now an international market trend which we can no longer ignore. POX is not requesting this global activity be banned, but that specific rules are implemented covering its operation; rules that are necessary to protect legitimate businesses and the tourist product of our country,” the federation said in the letter, adding that it is “imperative that health and safety standards are met and that owners leasing their properties are taxed in the same manner and required to pay insurance contributions as do businesses operating legally in the sector”.

POX goes on to stress that with the registry, the government is tackling one side of the problem, regulating taxation only.

It is calling on the minister to further define the terms of cooperation between the Greek government and  home sharing platforms, as well as proceed with a joint ministerial decision that indicates which geographical areas will be subject to restrictions in number and duration of short-term leases.