Greek Parliament Passes New Tourism Law

Hellenic Parliaent Press Office / Photo © Froso Kanellidou

Greek lawmakers approved a new tourism law late Thursday, aiming to enhance tourism infrastructure and education and strengthen the sector.

Titled “Enhancement of tourist infrastructure and education; modernization of the framework for the profession of tourist guides and timeshare leases; regulations for tourism bodies, and other provisions for the strengthening of tourism,” the new law was passed by votes from the ruling New Democracy party but was rejected by the opposition parties.

“The government and the Tourism Ministry continue to promote the necessary reforms for the sustainable and qualitative development of tourism in our country,” said Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni while addressing parliament.

Highlighting the ministry’s “clear vision” for the sector, Kefalogianni emphasized that the new law aims to ensure the sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness of Greece’s destinations and tourism products.

According to the minister, the interventions in the new law constitute a “holistic approach” aimed at initiating a new cycle of qualitative tourism development. Specifically, the new law:

– promotes and highlights the value of Greek tourism’s human resources;
– contributes to creating a modern and more functional business and investment environment;
– develops a substantially upgraded and multifaceted tourism product; and
– promotes a new model of governance at local and regional levels for managing and promoting destinations.

Key provisions

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni addressing parliament.

The minister highlighted that key provisions of the bill include the following:

– New regulations to promote sustainable tourism development, focusing on obtaining environmental permits and managing tourism businesses and infrastructure.
– An integrated and modern regulatory framework for special forms of tourism.
– Regulations for luxury camping sites (glamping).
– A framework to increase the number of berthing spots at tourist ports in a balanced manner.
– Protection of the profession of tourist guides, including all proposals from the Panhellenic Tourist Guide Federation (POXEN) about defining the profession.
– The hiring of permanent teaching staff at Higher Vocational Training Schools for the first time in two decades, and enabling graduates of Higher Schools of Tourism Education to join tourism studies departments at Higher Educational Institutions (universities) without needing qualifying exams.

Moreover, during her speech, Kefalogianni emphasized that Greece is currently among the top ten destinations worldwide. She cited recent figures from January to April, showing a 20 percent increase in tourist traffic and a 22 percent rise in receipts compared to 2023, which was a milestone year for tourism, even outside the peak season.