Greek Small Lodging Owners Face Challenge with Lifeguard Requirement

Key categories and a new life guard requirement are among the unresolved issues posing risks to small accommodation services providers in Greece, the Greek Confederation of Tourist Accommodation Enterprises (SETKE) said this week.

In a letter to Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, the association is requesting an urgent meeting to discuss among others, the need to redefine the lodging categorization system into “keys”. SETKE is arguing that global booking platforms do not display categories for small lodging units, failing to provide clear information to customers and thus impacting business.

Additionally, SETKE stresses that small lodging units are unable to cover the recruitment of a lifeguard as required by new regulations. The association goes on to argue that the majority of businesses renting furnished rooms or villas via short-term rentals platforms such as Airbnb are exempt of any such obligation.

Among others, the association is proposing that a trained security officer cover the lifeguard post at businesses with a capacity of 60 beds or more or with a swimming pool depth of up to 1.5 meters.

Businesses with fewer than 60 beds plus pool should be exempt of the requirement. They will have to post a sign near the swimming pool informing customers of hygiene and safety rules for swimming, as is the case for short-term accommodation facilities or rooms to let.