Kountoura Scraps Obsolete Regime, Paves Way for Tourism Facility Upgrade in Greece

Greek Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura has decided to do away with an outdated Tourism Territory Development Control decree — known as PETA — simplifying procedures for the renovation, re-operation and upgrade of tourist accommodation facilities in rural areas.

The 1986 regulation was deemed outdated and out of tune with the current tourism market reality. Minister Kountoura’s new decision paves the way for one-, two- or three-star accommodation facilities as well as rooms to let operations in rural areas to move ahead with modernization procedures as well as with the necessary upgrades and to participate in the EU’s National Strategic Reference Framework development and financing programs (known as ESPA in Greece).

At the same time, the decision also foresees the re-opening of hotels  currently out of business in cases where investor interest has been expressed.

The minister’s decision is aimed at simplifying the framework of tourism operations in efforts to boost competitiveness and improve the quality of the country’s tourism product.