Greek Tourist Guides Thank Government for Protecting their Profession

Photo Source: European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG)

Greece’s tourist guides recently expressed gratitude to the Greek government for recognizing and protecting their profession through the new tourism bill that was recently passed in parliament.

When the bill initially opened for public deliberation, the Panhellenic Tourist Guide Federation (POXEN) called for changes, arguing that specific provisions threatened their profession. This led to protests and a strike in Athens.

However, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni made last-minute changes to the bill, taking into consideration all of POXEN’s proposals regarding the definition of the profession.

Following the passing of the law, POXEN issued the following press release: “The Panhellenic Tourist Guide Federation would like to thank the Prime Minister of Greece, the Minister of Tourism, and all the Ministers and Members of the Greek Parliament who understood the multidimensional role of Tourist Guides for Greece and protected our profession by voting for the corrected term in the new tourism bill.”

Photo Source: European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG)

The main changes to the law involved updating the definition of the profession of tourist guides and including them in the electronic National Social Security System (e-EFKA) for their main retirement, sector-profession retirement payments, and health insurance.

Moreover, the law mandates the establishment of at least two tourist guide training centers, which will lead to certification, allowing individuals to legally work as guides.

The law also includes provisions to facilitate the crackdown on uncertified individuals offering illegal tourist guiding services.