2018 Year in Review – GTP

The Greek Tourism Ministry is planning to launch a program entitled “Tourism Businesses Open 365 Days a Year”, in efforts to promote Greece as a year-round destination.

Expecting Greece to welcome some 32 million foreign visitors this year, PM Alexis Tsipras said 2018 will be “the best year in the history of Greek tourism”.

New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis has promised to reduce taxes in the Greek tourism sector, once his party comes to power.

A development plan drawn up by the Greek government, concerning the next steps for when Greece exits its bailout program, includes tourism among top priorities.

Non-EU travelers will be required to hold an International Driving Permit together with a valid national driver’s license if they wish to rent vehicles in Greece.

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) will hold its 2021 Family Supreme Convention in Greece, in efforts to promote the country as a tourism destination.

The Tourism Ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) are embarking on a digital transition to better meet tourists’ needs.

Greece once again ranked second in the world on the Blue Flag quality award list for beaches, according to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.

The German interior ministry has called off stricter airport security checks for passengers traveling on outbound flights from Greece, which were implemented in 2017.

Uber has announced that it will suspend its “uberX” service in Athens, Greece, due to the passing of a new law that effects ridesharing services.

Wyndham Hotel Group has debuted its “Dolce Hotels and Resorts” brand in Greece, with the opening of the Dolce Attica Riviera in Vravrona, East Attica.

The “stayover tax” in Greece will also be charged to short-day hotel stays and overnights at Airbnb-style rentals that offer additional hospitality services.

Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has issued a circular that clarifies which properties rented for the short-term are subject to VAT.

Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura expects the number of international tourist arrivals to Greece in 2018 to surpass last year’s record.

Greek transportation authorities are looking into ways to move ahead with the construction of an intercity bus (KTEL) depot at the Eleonas neighborhood in Athens.

The technical and operational specifications for the development of thalassotherapy centers in Greece have been announced.

Greek Parliament has passed an amendment to the law of the “stayover tax”, which is charged to guests at hotels in Greece.

From April 23 and for a year, Athens will be known as the World Book Capital 2018 and celebrate with a series of book-related events across town.

In efforts to decongest the world-famed caldera, Santorini’s local authorities announced the launch of a new berthing management system for incoming cruise ships.

Greece is among the world’s safest destinations, according to a new travel advisory system assessing security conditions for American holidaymakers, announced by the US State Department.