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Greece’s Tourist Guides Up in Arms Over Latest Tourism Bill

by GTP editing team
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Tourist guides protest in Athens against a Ministry of Tourism new bill of law proposed these days on public consultation. Photo source: FEG Tourist Guides

Certified tourist guides in Greece are calling on Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni to withdraw a tourism bill currently up for discussion, arguing that the terms threaten the profession are “catastrophic”.

The Panhellenic Tourist Guide Federation (POXEN), which also has the support of the European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG), held a protest in front of the Acropolis Museum requesting that Law 710/1977 be enforced. Other protests were held on Santorini, Crete and in Thessaloniki.

According to POXEN and FEG, the ministry’s proposed legislation aims to change the definition of the term “tourist guide” so that others offering such services without certification enter the market. The change, the associations claim, will deregulating the profession.

Under the new law, certified guides would see their role limited to specific sites such as monuments and museums, thus opening the door to “unqualified individuals from anywhere in the world”, the associations argue.

Photo source: FEG Tourist Guides

POXEN and FEG go on to note that for decades, Greek tourist guides have provided comprehensive services, offering information about the nation’s cultural and natural heritage, modern life, history, traditions, and gastronomy. The current law (710/77), they say, is aligned with EU standards, ensuring that guides are well-trained and qualified. The new bill, however, threatens to ‘weaken’ these standards, potentially damaging the country’s reputation.

POXEN stresses that the current “tourist guide” definition is sufficient and compliant with EU regulation. POXEN and FEG have called on the government to reconsider the proposed changes. FEG President Efi Kalampoukidou underlines the need for consultation with POXEN before any changes are made.

The associations are calling for the withdrawal of the bill, requesting a meeting with Kefalogianni, and threatening further protests if changes are not made.

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