Greek Parliament Passes New Tourism Bill

The Greek Parliament. Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

The draft bill for Greek tourism was voted in principle in the Parliament’s summer session on 23 July.

According to the Greek Tourism Ministry, the bill aims to improve the quality and identity of the national tourism product and is investment friendly.

Among other things, the new bill simplifies the licensing procedures for the operation of tourism businesses in Greece and includes provisions on matters related to special tourism infrastructural facilities (tourist ports, ski resorts, hotel complexes and condo hotels).

The tourism bill also defines the standards for some of Greece’s special forms of tourism (wine tourism, agritourism and medical/health tourism).

In addition, the bill enables the Tourism Ministry to receive financial donations in the form of grants for Greece’s tourism promotion.

The draft bill passed on votes by ruling New Democracy and PASOK MPs. According to reports, MPs from opposition parties argued that the bill is indifferent to Greek SME’s and only favors the “big entrepreneurs” of tourism that own all inclusive resorts.