Laws, Regulations & Policies

This season’s “Tourism for All” discounted vacation program for Greeks will run as of July 2013 until May 2014 under a budget of five million euros, according to an announcement made today, 20 June, by the Greek Tourism Ministry.

The Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food is expected to team up soon with the Ministries of Tourism and Mercantile Marine, the Aegean and Island Policy to simplify the institutional framework required for the development of fishing tourism.

Two new Greek thermal springs were recently recognized by the Natural Thermal Resources Protection Committee, bringing the total of the country’s recognized springs to 20, according to the Greek Tourism Ministry.

The most visited Greek State museums and archaeological sites will operate from 8am to 8pm, while those that attract a smaller audience will operate from 8am to 5pm, according to a recent announcement made by Deputy Culture Minister Kostas Tzavaras.

Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis on Tuesday, 23 April, restated his proposal for shops in the historical center of the city to operate on some Sundays and this way give tourists more options to for purchases while touring the city.

Improving the competitiveness of Greece’s tourism services and supporting new and innovative ideas are the main actions that will be put forward for the country’s tourism sector, according to a new National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) for the Programming Period 2014-2020.

Waterway investments may finally begin to proceed in Greece and seaplanes allowed to operate in Greek waters without hassle as specific rules for their licensing and operation are included in a bill that was recently approved by the Greek Parliament.

Owners of some 20,000 small Greek hotel units with a capacity of less than 10 rooms are expected soon to be excused from mandatory insurance contributions to the Self-Employed Workers’ Insurance Organization (OAEE), the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels said today, 4 March, in a press release.

Aiming to include spa tourism and thermalism within the overall development of the country’s national tourism product, the Greek Tourism Ministry announced another three thermal springs recently recognized by the Natural Thermal Resources Protection Committee.

Greek tourism professionals took part in the public consultation on a draft tourism bill drawn up by the Greek Tourism Ministry and submitted a series of comments on the proposed regulations for Greek tourism.