High Energy Costs Put The Heat On Greek Hoteliers

Greek hoteliers said recently that increasing energy costs are making the sector uncompetitive especially in rural parts of the country in view of the upcoming winter season.

The current tax on heating oil and its transport has “proved particularly detrimental and destructive to the operation of hotels”, the Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX) said in a statement.

The federation said that although it considers the recent 30 percent cut of the special consumption tax on heating oil a positive step, it does not solve the problem for hoteliers.

The federation called on the finance ministry to draw up and finalize a sustainable taxation system that takes into consideration the size, location, climate and particular needs of each business and does not require complex accounting adjustments at the source of supply. It also demanded the ministry facilitate access to energy upgrade programs so as to enable interested entrepreneurs to invest in applications and solutions that will help reduce their energy costs.