Greece’s Hospitality Body SETKE Welcomes New Tourism Legislation

The Greek Confederation of Tourist Accommodation Enterprises (SETKE) has warmly received the new law covering thematic and special interest tourism passed in Greek parliament earlier this month, which it says addresses a series of long-standing issues and paves the way for a new era in Greek tourism.

SETKE said in a statement this week that it welcomed the adoption of the bill, which facilitates the operation of tourist accommodation enterprises and contributes to boosting their competitiveness, which in turn will support the much-needed extension of the tourist season.

According to SETKE, the said law – passed by majority vote earlier this month – opens a new chapter for Greek tourism, laying the foundations for the specialization of alternative forms of tourism and the much-needed extension of the tourist season while paving the way for the diversification and development of Greece’s tourism sector.

SETKE has pledged on its part to contribute knowhow and data for the formulation of experiential tourism products, which expand the scope of options for travelers to Greece.

For SETKE members, it is of utmost importance that under the new legislation, the responsibility for the issue of the classification certificate is transferred from the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) to regional tourism services, and the approval to the government’s One-Stop Shop (OSS) services, or through the General Commercial Registry (GEMI).

In related news, the Greek Tourist Accommodation Federation (FEDE) also welcomed the legal clauses involving the classification procedures which were until now handled by the HCH, adding that members will be spared the increased cost.