Laws, Regulations & Policy

Recreational boat owners in Greece operating in “high seas” will be exempt from VAT, according to amendments made to a ministerial decision.

The five islands in Greece that continue to receive refugee flows will maintain their special VAT status – 30 percent discount on rates – until June 30, 2019.

A total of 411.5 million euros will be allocated to 2,527 small and medium-sized tourism enterprises in Greece, the Greek Economy and Development Ministry announced.

The five islands that have received the main burden of refugee flows in Greece will continue to receive a 30 percent discount on VAT rates.

In view of UK’s exit from the EU, the European Commission has proposed two legislative short-term measures aimed at limiting disruption to air traffic in case of a no-deal scenario.

ABTA has said that deal or no-deal, flights will still operate between the UK and EU and a visa will not be required, after the Brexit deadline on March 29, …

AADE has decided to use online “search robots” to track down taxpayers, who have failed to join the e-registry for short-term rentals.

The Greek Confederation of Tourist Accommodation Enterprises (SETKE) has warmly received a new law covering thematic and special interest tourism.

The Greek Tourist Accommodation Federation (FEDE) has called on officials to address pending issues, following the voting of a new tourism law.

Great prospects have opened for Greece in the field of thermal tourism, according to European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) President Giuseppe Bellandi.

Greece has passed a bill covering thematic and special interest tourism, the upgrade of tourism training and the strengthening of entrepreneurship.

A bill that foresees a series of incentives aimed at stimulating strategic investment activity in Greece, has been opened to public consultation until December 17.

An amendment to a law on the licensing terms for casino operations in Greece is expected to set the Hellinikon development project into action.

The ministries of economy and shipping presented the new e-registry for Greek-flagged private and professional leisure boats and professional boats under foreign flags.

A draft law covering thematic and special interest tourism, the upgrade of tourism training and the strengthening of entrepreneurship in tourism has been tabled in Greek parliament.

EU lawmakers have agreed to restrict the initial period for border checks to two months, instead of the current six-month period.

The European Commission has launched an official investigation into distribution deals carried out by booking system providers Amadeus and Sabre with airlines and travel agents.

The registry for property owners leasing their homes for the short-term via online platforms, is producing results, according to Greece’s revenue body AADE.

After 20 months of negotiations, the leaders of 27 EU countries approved in Brussels, on Sunday, Britain’s decision to exit the Union on 29 March 2019.

Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura gave an update on the ministry’s efforts to further develop tourism in Greece through new legislative interventions.