Greek Tourism Body SETE Calls for Extra Covid-19 Relief 

SETE President Yiannis Retsos

Deferring until 30 April 2021 insurance contribution payments and boosting liquidity are among the proposals made by the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) to provide much-needed relief to sector enterprises that have been impacted by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the ongoing containment measures.

In a letter to Finance Minister Christos Staikouras and to his deputy Theodore Skylakakis, SETE President Yiannis Retsos is calling for additional support measures including a financing tool which will provide immediate funding so that businesses remain in operation given that many have already exhausted the 800,000-euro limit of aid through the repayable advance program.

Retsos referred to dozens of tourism enterprises that have either not re-opened since the first lockdown in March, or are barely operating lacking activity focus.

These companies, Retsos said, have no income, have covered costs and employee wages through the repayable advance scheme but have now exceeded their limit unable to raise funds to meet running obligations including insurance payments, suppliers and utilities. 

Retsos referred to the second lockdown which has brought all domestic tourism activity to a standstill due to restrictions on free movement, adding that SETE members operating in winter destinations are at risk of losing the entire winter tourist season.