Greece Tourism Heads Call for Credit Card Use to Tackle Tax Dodgers

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.

Representing over 50,000 sector professionals, the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) said on Tuesday, during a VISA Hellas event titled “Growth Through Innovation”, that technology and the use of credit cards could boost Greek tourism to new heights.

According to figures presented at Tuesday’s workshop, the average online transaction for tourism in Greece comes to 1,500 euros, with 74 percent of respondents saying they shop online for travel-related services, including purchasing tickets, booking accommodation and car hire.

SETE’s president, Andreas Andreadis, has repeatedly stressed that credit card usage can reign in tax evasion because services and businesses will be required to declare transactions and issue receipts.

In the meantime, SETE General Manager Alexander Lamnidis pointed out that tourism is a major force of the Greek economy and technology can play a decisive role in the promotion of the desired tourist product.