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Greece Suspends Year-round Hotel Operations
The Greek Tourism Ministry on Thursday announced that the operation of all-year round hotels in Greece will temporarily close. The decision comes amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
“Aiming to protect workers in hotels, the Tourism Ministry announces the government’s decision to suspend the operation of year-round hotels until the end of April,” the announcement said.
According to the ministry, one hotel per regional capital is obliged to remain open as well as three hotels in Greece’s two largest cities, Athens and Thessaloniki.
The measure will take effect from March 22 at midnight.
An ‘inevitable’ decision
Hellenic Chamber of Hotels President Alexandros Vassilikos referred to the government’s decision as “inevitable” and added that while Greek tourism is experiencing an unprecedented situation, Greek hotels have entered uncharted territory.
“As soon as conditions allow, Greek hoteliers will be ready to play a key role in the economy’s recovery, as we did during the crisis by supporting society,” Vassilikos said, underlining that the sector was now waiting for the government’s special measures for tourism, within its framework of supporting all sectors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Last weekend Greece decided the closure of all seasonal accommodation tourist units.
The coronavirus pandemic until now is estimated to have cost 522 million euros in losses for the Greek hotel industry, according to a recent study by ITEP.
HI
Is there any list yet on the hotels that are kept open in each regional capital?
kind regards
Claus Nielsen
Circulation of yachts. Our British friends live on Corfu and have a yacht in the marina, there. They hold Greek residency. Our boat is in the same marina but we live in the UK for the winter but return to Greece for the summer. We have been told that our friends can continue to circulate around the ports of Greece as normal but we can not do so. Is that correct?
Joshua – think carefully about going because there will be nothing to do when you get there !
Does this affect accommodation booked via Airbnb and when will the new restrictions last until as I am due to fly out on Mon 27 Apr for 16 nights until 13th May.
Hello Joshua and thank you for your message. There have been no announcements at the moment regarding Airbnb-type rentals. This announcements is related exclusively to hotels that are open all year round and will last until the end of April. If you have booked to stay in an Airbnb rental, we suggest you contact your host. Kind regards.