FedHATTA Info Campaign Aimed at non-EU Tourism Services Providers

Herod Atticus Odeon, Athens © GTP

The Federation of Hellenic Associations of Tourist & Travel Agencies (fedHATTA) announced this week that it has launched a far-reaching information campaign on the provision of tourism services by non-EU nationals/entities in Greece.

Under a Greek law which took effect last December, tourist operations based in countries outside the European Union seeking to offer tourism services in Greece, must have a legally operating office at a Greek destination or be working with a tourist office in Greece.

Corfu, Greece. Photo Source: Visit Greece / E. Fili

FedHATTA has already informed all relevant authorities, diplomatic services and Greek National Tourism Organization bureaus in Greece and abroad ahead of the new tourism season.

More specifically, under the provisions of the law foreign nationals or interests based in third countries can offer tourism services in Greece as long as these partner with a tourist office based in Greece, or have a legally operating branch in Greece.

FedHATTA said it is open to working with non-EU tourism professionals to facilitate the transition, underlining that under the new law both foreign and Greek tourist offices stand to gain from the experience and know-how of each party with the ultimate goal to ensure a memorable experience for clients/travelers.

“We have always made international cooperation a priority and maintain important partnerships with our sister organizations in the US, India, Egypt and Israel, to name a few,” the federation said in a statement, adding that “having a working relationship with a local agent… can help with sourcing and negotiation, can provide an extra layer of insurance in case of problems… and a better experience for our clients, which is always the goal of the dedicated travel professional”.