Greek Tourism Ministry Updates Terms for Operation of Playgrounds in Hotels

All playgrounds in tourist accommodation units (hotels and other lodgings) and ports must now be licensed prior to their opening to guests, the Greek Tourism Ministry said recently.

According to an announcement, Greek Tourism Minister Thanasis Theocharopoulos recently signed a ministerial decision that lays down the terms and conditions for granting and withdrawing licenses for playgrounds in tourist accommodation units and ports.

“The existing institutional framework has been upgraded and special emphasis has been placed to ensure the safe access and stay of children within playgrounds,” the ministry said in the announcement.

The decision also includes details on the proper size of playgrounds, what equipment is necessary and the hygiene rules that must be followed.

For the establishment and operation of a playgrounds where entertainment is provided to infants and children aged between 2.5 and 14 years, a permit must be issued either by the relevant Regional Tourism Agency or by the Tourist Port Authority, after prior approval by the General Secretariat of Ports.

Each area’s regional tourism services will carry out checks to all playgrounds. The equipment of each playground will also be subject to periodic inspections by an assessment body.

The equipment used in all playgrounds must be fully in line with European and international safety standards and bear all certificates of suitability from accredited bodies.