Greek Travel Agents Seek Support to Survive Covid-19

Government support that will help travel and tourist agencies shore up liquidity to cover operating costs and pay employees impacted by the coronavirus pandemic topped the agenda of talks between the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Tourist & Travel Agencies (fedHATTA)  and Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis.

In a conference call with the minister this week, the federation called for aid measures that will help tourism services providers withstand the ongoing Covid-19 measures that have brought travel to a virtual standstill.

Proposals include tax cuts, banking flexibility and government-backed support for employee insurance contributions all aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the businesses.

The federation also requested that the subsidized “Tourism for All” program be extended into 2021 in an effort to stimulate the domestic travel market.

Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis.

Other issues discussed included relief measures required for tour bus services providers, clarifications and revisions to current legislation in order to facilitate conference tourism as well as developments with regard to restarting cruise travel in Greece and across Europe.

Theoharis said the ministry was committed to stimulating the tourism market in 2021 with targeted actions and reassured FedHATTA representatives that support actions would be examined in cooperation with other relevant ministries.

FedHATTA members discussing with Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis.

In the meantime, the minister invited federation members from across Greece to share their observations with regard to current health protocols as well as proposals for possible modifications and improvements.