Greek Tourism Ministry’s New Draft Law Soon to Enter Public Consultation

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

The Greek Tourism Ministry’s new draft law, which is nearing completion, will soon be put to public consultation, according to Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

The law includes provisions targeting short-term rentals and the classification of hotels based on environmental performance.

Kefalogianni shared details during her speech at the 12th General Assembly of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels in Athens on Saturday.

“The new law aims to enhance the quality of hospitality and tourism in Greece by incorporating both local institutional feedback and global best practices,” she said.

Key provisions for short-term rentals

As announced by the minister, the draft law introduces clear operational standards for properties wishing to operate in Greece’s short-term rental market, including:

– Civil liability insurance for damages or accidents
– Certification from a licensed electrician, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, cut-off relay, and escape signs
– A pest control certificate, first-aid kit, and emergency contact guide
– Residential properties must have proper lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

The law also sets minimum accommodation sizes and excludes basements from short-term rental eligibility. Additionally, a framework for monitoring compliance, including inspections by the Tourism Ministry and Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), will be established. Sanctions for non-compliance will align with those for tourism accommodations.

To address the housing crisis, the new draft law also includes a temporary ban on new short-term rental agreements for at least one year in three central Athens districts, which include the areas of Syntagma Square, Omonoia Square, Exarchia, Neos Kosmos, Pagrati, Kerameikos, and Metaxourgeio. This ban aims to protect the character of these neighborhoods, with the possibility of extending it beyond one year.

Enhancing hotel standards

In addition to regulations for short-term rentals, the draft law proposes a new hotel classification system, developed by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels in collaboration with the Technical Chamber of Greece, based on sustainability criteria, including both environmental and social performance.

The law also suggests that hotels accommodate public servants, such as teachers, doctors, police officers, and emergency responders, who are temporarily assigned to rural areas. Another provision includes the potential for seawater swimming pools in hotel accommodations.

Kefalogianni stated that the draft bill will soon be available for public consultation, allowing stakeholders to submit their feedback.

Special Spatial Planning Framework for Tourism

Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

During her address, the Minister also highlighted the new Special Spatial Framework for Tourism, which establishes the fundamental principles, rules, and priorities for tourism development in Greece.

“The framework aims to provide clarity for future investments, outlining the types and locations of expected tourism growth,” she said.

Recovery and Resilience Fund infrastructure projects

Kefalogianni also touched on the ongoing infrastructure projects funded by Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Fund. She shared that 251 investment projects have been submitted for evaluation in response to six calls for applications. A new call will soon be launched to support niche tourism sectors, such as mountain tourism, agrotourism, marine tourism, and diving, through digital platforms.

Supporting domestic tourism through ‘Tourism for All’

The minister also underscored the importance of boosting domestic tourism and announced that the third cycle of the “Tourism for All” subsidy program, which provides vacation opportunities for thousands of Greeks, will be launched in 2025. The initiative will focus on increasing aid for low-season travel and prioritize destinations in mountainous areas and those affected by natural disasters.