Trade Associations

Trade associations from the Cyclades are calling on the government to re-examine the measures it has proposed including increasing the VAT tax and imposing a luxury levy on 22 islands, underlining that any adjustments made must be carefully designed to ensure growth.

The immediate application of new VAT rates on tourism will bring a heavy blow to businesses as they will be forced to either absorb the additional cost or to pass on to their customers, according to the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE).

Greek tourism authorities are urging travelers to pay in plastic as a way to fight tax evasion, which has been taking a toll on the ailing Greek economy for decades.

Local authorities and tourism professionals from the Aegean islands are up in arms over recent leaks that the government is looking into introducing a special tax on tourism.

Tackling illegal accommodation and tracking down payments should be the government’s first priority, the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) said, adding that though it supports negotiation efforts to bring the country back to growth, the tourism sector should not be sacrificed in the process.

An action plan aimed at tackling the growing problem of shadow hospitality was announced by HOTREC, the umbrella association of national trade bodies representing Europe’s hotels, restaurants, cafes and similar establishments.

Greece is tapping further in the Brazilian market and recently participated in the World Travel Market Latin America, held on April 22-24 in Sao Paulo.

Greece’s tourism bookings, regional airports, European Union funds, investments, and illegal tourism accommodation units were the main topics discussed during the Thursday meeting between the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) and the Minister of Economy, Infrastructure, Shipping and Tourism, Giorgos Stathakis.

Tapping into the potential of medical tourism in Greece, and offering Greek medical professionals jobs in Saudi Arabia, topped the agenda of Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura’s meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Health Minister Mohammed Al Khoshaim, during her recent visit to Riyadh.

The economic instability and the increasing number of illegal migrant incidents in Greece may have dented the country’s appeal to tourists from the traditional markets of Germany and the United Kingdom.