“The new bill includes regulations on short-term rentals, the environmental classification of accommodation and the simplification of procedures for tourism businesses. It focuses on strengthening sustainable tourism development, while respecting the natural and cultural environment. At the same time, it promotes infrastructure for 12-month operation and social initiatives such as housing for civil servants. Aiming at global leadership, the bill enhances the resilience and quality of Greek tourism.
“The regulations introduced by the new bill meet the requirements of the times and constitute a further step towards the strategic objective for the sustainable and qualitative development of Greek tourism, based on the rule of moderation and balance, with respect for the natural and cultural environment and the well-being of local communities as the main pillars.”
The above was pointed out by the Minister of Tourism Mrs Olga Kefalogianni during the discussion and processing in the Committee of the House of Representatives of the bill entitled “Establishment of specifications for short-term rental properties, environmental classification of accommodation, simplification of the procedure for the establishment of tourism businesses and special provisions for the control and strengthening of the framework of tourism infrastructure”.
At the beginning of her speech, Mrs Olga Kefalogiannis described 2024 as the new milestone year for tourism, as historic highs were recorded in both arrivals and receipts, estimated at 22 billion euros, exceeding the 20.6 billion of 2023. The Minister of Tourism attached particular importance to the increase in arrivals and revenues in the months outside the traditional tourist season.
“However, there is no room for complacency,” she added. “We must adjust our policies, upgrade our services and ensure that Greek tourism remains a leading player at the international level.”
The Tourism Minister then presented the main provisions of the bill, which aim at quality upgrading, and sustainable tourism development.
Short-term rental of real estate:
Includes provisions that define, for the first time, operational specifications as well as safety requirements for short-term rental properties. It also provides for the possibility of checks on compliance with these specifications by mixed teams from the Ministry of Tourism and the AADE, which will be able to impose penalties and fines similar to those applicable to tourist accommodation.
Environmental classification of accommodation establishments:
An innovative and globally pioneering classification system for hotels, and optionally for non-mainstream tourist accommodation, based on their environmental footprint is established. This system, which is being developed by the Chamber of Hotels and the Technical Chamber, is a practical expression of the will of the Ministry of Tourism and the sector’s stakeholders to incorporate the principles of sustainability.
Simplification of procedures and strengthening of entrepreneurship:
Procedures are simplified for car rental businesses, boat rental agencies and other tourism activities. Their inclusion in the notification regime will speed up their start-up, helping to reduce bureaucracy.
Addressing infrastructure issues:
Definitions and regulations for tourism infrastructure, such as ski resorts, are updated to transform them into twelve-monthly operations offering a variety of activities throughout the year.
Swimming pools:
In the spirit of promoting sustainability and saving water resources, the provision allows for the possibility of carrying out projects to pump seawater for use in the swimming pools of tourist resorts.
Housing for public servants:
A regulation with a positive social impact that applies to areas of high tourist activity where there is a shortage of affordable housing. The possibility for public sector employees to stay in the staff rooms of hotels, the creation of which was established last year by Law No. 5121/2024.
Religious tourism:
The Museum of Byzantine Culture undertakes the coordination of the cultural route “Steps of Apostle Paul”, strengthening the dynamics of religious and pilgrimage tourism, an important part of the Greek tourist offer. It is an activity that can be developed in all regions of the country, and attract travellers throughout the year.
“The Draft Law we are bringing for discussion, Mrs Olga Kefalogianni stressed, is a response to the challenges of today and tomorrow”, she added:
“Our goal is to maintain the leadership of Greek tourism, ensuring that it remains sustainable, resilient and of high quality. We want Greek tourism to contribute to economic and social prosperity, highlighting our country as a global model.”
The bill, which is the first to be introduced in the new year, is expected to be voted on by the plenary next Thursday.
