Greek Accommodation Ranking Deadline Extended

A deadline for hotels, accommodation and camping facilities to be included in a mandatory classification system has been extended to 31 December 2021, according to a revised bill slated for parliament approval, said Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis.

Speaking in parliament this week, Theoharis said the extension was given so that everyone had the chance to register while rewarding those who have already gained certification with an automatic three-year extension.

The minister said that some 6,000 facilities have not yet registered despite the fact that authorities can certify 3,000 per year.

In this direction, the ministry is offering the incentive of a five-year validity period for those who are issued an classification certificate by 31 December 2020, Theoharis said.

Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis (archive photo)

For those obtaining a certificate between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021, its validity will apply for three years.

And finally, for those businesses that have not attained a certificate of classification by the 31 December 2021 deadline, the facilities will be sealed until they are issued the required document.

Besides classification certification, Theoharis presented the ministry’s plans for the development of thermal spring tourism as well as support measures for enterprises impacted the collapse of Thomas Cook.

The ministry’s focus, Theoharis said, is on sustainability, authenticity, and quality.