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Greek Hoteliers to Host, Offer Work to Ukrainian Refugees 

Refugees from Ukraine cross the border into Poland. Photo source: European Commission / Photographer: Bartosz Siedlik

Hoteliers in Greece said this week that they would be opening their hotels to host and provide employment to displaced Ukrainians following Russia’s invasion of the country.

Speaking on Open TV on Wednesday, Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (POX) President Grigoris Tasios said the country’s hotel owners had offered to provide humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people and that in collaboration with the Ukrainian Consulate in Thessaloniki and hotel associations in Thessaloniki, Pieria and Kavala, efforts were being made to assess  the needs in order to provide shelter and accommodation to displaced civilians from Ukraine, mainly women and children who have fled after Russian raids.

“We are ready to host refugees from Ukraine. In addition to shelter, we will offer them the chance to work in hotel enterprises if they wish,” said Tasios.

In this direction, Tasios added that POX was working with the Tourism Ministry to monitor the refugee flows towards Greece, and after May to provide jobs at hotel enterprises ahead of the summer season. 

“Of course, with all the legal conditions that will be determined by the EU in relation to residence permits etc,” said Tasios.

POX President Grigoris Tasios

Looking ahead to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on Greek tourism, Tasios said it was too early to say, expressing his confidence however that any losses of Russian and Ukrainian tourists will most likely be compensated for by other European markets where demand for Greece is strong compared to pre-pandemic 2019.

Speaking to public broadcaster ERT earlier this week, Tasios confirmed that pre-bookings from Ukraine had stopped, while from Russia “there were few”. He referred to the challenges created as a result of the war which come to add to Covid-19 repercussions.

In 2019, said Tasios, 50,000 Ukrainians and 75,000 Russians had holidayed in Halkidiki, Northern Greece.

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  1. Dimitrios+Beis Reply

    Even though the actions are admirable & commendable I would like to remind you of the old axiom “Charity begins at Home” there are thousands of Greeks living at poverty or below poverty level (especially seniors)!
    Maybe you & the “Kratos” should should do something about them

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