Greece to Tighten Rules on Multiple Airbnb Rentals

Athens, Greece

Short-term tourism rental operators leasing out dozens of properties will be seeing changes to the legal framework, said Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias, adding that hosts with one or two Airbnbs will be unaffected.

Speaking Tuesday to public broadcaster ERT, Kikilias referred to a set of revised rules covering short-term rentals which aims to ensure fair play with regard to tourist hospitality. “Those renting one or two apartments in order to have an additional income will not be affected by the legislative changes,” he said, adding however that “those who have made it a profession leasing rent out dozens, or even 150 and 200 properties… those who actually take advantage of hotel privileges but with less taxation, will see changes, possibly within the tax framework”.

Earlier this fall, Kikilias announced a set of actions aimed at regulating short-term rental activity particularly in view of growing market demand for Airbnbs in Greece and in response to hotelier demands.

Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias.

The minister went on to refer to efforts being made to extend the tourism season, which are paying off he said, adding that the ministry had entered agreements with 11 airlines to continue flights into November and through to March. Popular Greek destinations reported strong arrivals in November, said Kikilias, adding that the ministry was also promoting Greece as a winter destination through its “Greece DOES Have a Winter” and “Greekend*” campaigns.

Also in this direction, the minister referred to actions being taken to boost domestic tourism to popular remote destinations through the “Tourism for All” subsidized holiday scheme. He went on to announce that at the end of January, a new round of support will be announced for 125,000 beneficiaries.

Lastly, the minister said Greece had managed despite ongoing disruptions to successful see tourism-related revenues beat initial forecasts by 3 billion euros for 2022, which he said will boost the income of the average Greek family in this difficult time.