Athens Hoteliers Urge Municipalities Not to Increase Stayover Duty

The Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association has called on municipalities across the Attica region to refrain from raising the stayover duty for hotels.

The appeal follows a government decision in October granting municipalities the authority to increase this tax, which applies to both hotels and short-term rental properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb.

In a formal letter, the association directly requested mayors and municipal councils to reconsider any plans to raise the stayover duty. The association emphasized that such increases could diminish the competitiveness of local destinations, potentially discouraging tourists and leading to a drop in visitor numbers.

Additionally, the association stressed that increasing the stayover duty during these challenging times would place further strain on hotel businesses. Many are already facing significant financial pressures due to high energy costs, increased taxation, and other operational expenses.

The association pointed out that short-term rental properties are not subject to the same level of taxation, which places hotels at a competitive disadvantage.

“The tourism sector is a critical pillar of the Attica region’s economy, providing thousands of jobs and generating substantial income for local communities,” the association noted.

The letter also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the tourism sector, which has been adversely affected by the pandemic and previous economic crises. While the sector’s recovery is underway, it remains fragile.

The association welcomed the decisions of certain municipalities, such as Marathon and Kythira, not to raise the stayover duty. These municipalities’ actions are seen as a positive step in protecting tourism and supporting the local economy, particularly businesses that continue to navigate difficult circumstances.

“This decision contributes to the preservation of tourist activity and the reinforcement of local economies, while also supporting businesses fighting for survival,” the association concluded.