Laws, Regulations & Policy

In the upcoming period the Greek economy ministry will launch ten EU funding programs totalling 600 million euros for the support of new business ventures.

Offering duty free sales at popular Greek islands can serve as an incentive to boost cruise travel, said Shipping Minister Panagiotis Kouroublis.

The recently re-opened Athens Tourist Guide School announced that it is now accepting applications through to September 15.

The British government appears to be considering allowing EU nationals to travel to Britain without a visa, following UK’s exit from the European Union.

Greek tax inspectors recently proceeded with checks to over 700 accommodation facilities, including five-star hotels and rooms to let, throughout Greece.

The Greek Ministry of Interior has warned that the risk of wildfires in the regions of Attica, Central Greece, Crete, North Aegean and South Aegean is very high (category 4 …

Products and services on 32 islands in the Dodecanese and North Aegean Region will go up as of January 1, 2018, due to new VAT rates.

Qatar has agreed to grant visa-free travel for citizens of 80 countries, including Greece, with immediate effect, Qatari officials have announced.

The Greek government is requesting that the issue of the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece be part of the Brexit negotiations citing EU treaty law.

Reinforcing passenger rights, changes to the scheduling of hydrofoils and high-speed sea craft are among the amendments of a ministry bill tabled in parliament.

Over-taxation, no capital controls and upgrading infrastructure are vital to ensuring a healthy future for Greek tourism, says SETE chief Yiannis Retsos.

Account holders can as of Sept. 1 withdraw a monthly total of 1,800 euros in cash following a Greek finance ministry decision to ease capital restrictions.

The Greek tourism sector is showing healthy signs of recovery but for growth to continue infrastructure should be upgraded immediately, according to SEV.

Greece’s Labor Inspection Body (SEPE) recently imposed hefty fines on businesses active in the Greek tourism sector for labor violations.

The Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) is calling for spatial planning framework that will ensure Greece remains a competitive destination in the future. 

All inclusive resorts account for 2.2 percent of Greece’s total accommodation units, according to Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura.

The free movement of people between the United Kingdom and the European Union will end in March 2019 when Britain leaves the EU.

Greece’s independent Authority for Public Revenue said it would begin inspections of hotel businesses across the country in efforts to curb tax evasion.

A new accommodation tax set to take effect next year is expected to put a damper on plans by smaller hotel units to renovate or upgrade.

Entrepreneurs active in spa tourism will be able to apply through to December 12, 2017 for the licensing of their businesses.