Culture Ministry Tables Greek Music Quota Bill for Airports, Ports, Hotels

DJ playing at the pool bar of a hotel on Mykonos.

The Greek Culture Ministry announced this week that it would be tabling a law that requires hotels, casinos, ports and airports across the country to play a minimum of 45 percent Greek songs and music in public areas.

The bill is open for public deliberation until March 14.

Greek collective management and music rights agencies welcomed the announcement.

According to the ministry bill, radio stations in Greece which increase the broadcast percentage of Greek language songs and of instrumental renditions of Greek songs by 20 percent will receive an added 5 percent bonus to the maximum allowed time for advertising.

NJV Athens Plaza hotel lobby.

The ministry said the bill comes as part of a wider plan that aims to showcase and preserve Greek intangible cultural and music heritage and encourage cultural exchange and interaction with visitors.

The law is not only aimed at “promoting Greek culture, but also at offering a deeper and richer experience to visitors”, said the ministry.

Additionally, the ministry hopes the new regulation will contribute to tourism through the strengthening of the country’s brand and by enriching the visitor experience with authentic elements of Greek tradition and culture.