Greek Hoteliers Seek Covid-19 Rescue Measures Ahead of Winter

In attempt to mitigate losses incurred by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, Greek hoteliers are calling on the government to take immediate measures, including employee insurance coverage and debt instalments.

In a letter to Labor Minister Yiannis Vroutsis and to Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis, the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (POX) is requesting that the government subsidize insurance contributions for the 1 October 2020-31 March 2021 period for all accommodation facilities. The measure, POX says, will serve as an incentive for businesses to stay open and retain jobs.

POX is also requesting that the state cover leave allowance for employees whose contracts were suspended and arrange new settlement of debts to insurance funds allowing up to 100 instalments.

POX President Grigoris Tasios.

Referring to the “difficult” winter ahead, POX President Grigoris Tasios said the situation is extremely critical and several hotels may be forced to shut down permanently which will lead to thousands of job losses.

Covid-19 cost seasonal hotel businesses 70-80 percent of their turnover this year. Greek hoteliers said they are expecting the sector to recover in 2023.

Tasios underlined that the hotel sector has been at the forefront of Greece’s return to economic activity after lockdown measures were lifted and amid the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, “supporting with a sense of duty and responsibility public revenues and employment, while with its full compliance with health protocols, it preserved Greece’s reputation as a safe destination”.