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Greece's latest tourism industry news by Greek Travel Pages

VAT Rate in Greece to Rise on June 1, Second Group of Islands to Lose Reduced Rate

As of June 1, the top value-added tax (VAT) rate in Greece will rise by one percentage point - from 23 percent to 24 percent - and a second group of Greek islands will lose a special value-added tax status.

South Aegean Region Stands Out from the Crowd at WTM 2015

The Region of the South Aegean made its presence felt at this year's World Travel Market in London.

First Group of Greek Islands to See VAT Hike Announced

Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Skiathos are the first Greek islands that will lose a special value-added-tax status - a 30 percent reduced implementation of all VAT rates - as of October 1.

Greek Yachting Professionals Up in Arms Over VAT Hike on Charter Fees

Greece’s yachting professionals are expressing their grave concerns over the government’s recent decision to increase value-added tax (VAT) to 23 percent on charter fees.

Greek Ferry Ticket Prices Rise 10% for Passengers Due to VAT Hike

Ferry tickets in Greece are now 10 percent more expensive for passengers, following the rise in the value added tax (VAT) rate from 13 percent to 23 percent on many basic goods and services in the country.

SETE: ‘Who Stands to Win from the Destruction of Greek Tourism?’

"We still can not comprehend the reasons why the lenders insist on imposing an uncompetitive VAT rate on the Greek tourism product and we ask: Who stands to win from that?", the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) said in an announcement on Tuesday.

Possible New Tax Measures Worry Greek Hotel Industry

The Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX) on Friday voiced concern over the impact new measures would have on the hotel sector and the national economy in general, during a meeting with Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura.

Mykonos and Santorini May Face VAT Hike

The Greek Government may increase the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate for the popular islands of Mykonos and Santorini, according to Alternate Finance Minister Dimitris Mardas.

Tourism Heads to Discuss Possible Effects of “Unsettled” Political Situation in Greece

The Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) will hold an emergency board meeting on Tuesday 16 December to discuss possible "devastating effects" on the economy and tourism due to the unsettled political situation in Greece.

Possible Hotel VAT Increase in Greece Sparks Reactions

Greek tourism professionals are up in arms over the government’s intention to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate for hotel accommodation from 6.5 percent at present to 13 percent. The news has caused a number of reactions from Greek tourism bodies, hotel associations and...

SETE Slams Government Plans for ‘Suicidal’ VAT Hike for Greek Hotels

An increase of the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate for hotel accommodation from 6.5 percent to 13 percent would start a domino effect of consequences, according to the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE). The association said such a move would be "suicidal" for Greek tourism.

Greece’s Main Tourism Body Says “No” to VAT Hike

The Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) has expressed concern in regards to the possibility of a VAT hike as a prerequisite to conclude negotiations between the state and the troika of Greece's international lenders.

VAT Cut For Restaurants Not Possible This Year

“The VAT rate on food catering services will not be reduced this year even though it was it was a commitment of the government,” Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said last month. The VAT cut on food catering services was one of the government’s pre-election promises.

Hoteliers Criticize Restaurant VAT Hike

The increase of the VAT for restaurant services in Greek hotels from 13 to 23 percent (a 77 percent hike) would reduce the competitiveness of the country’s tourism product, the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels said recently in an announcement.

VAT Hike Rumors On Restaurants Worry Professionals

The possible increase of the VAT on restaurant services to the highest rate, at a time when tourism is trying to lead the Greek economy towards recovery, would seriously reduce the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Greek tourism product, the Association of Greek Tourism...

SETE Conference An Eye-Opener For Professionals

The situation of the Greek economy is improving but there still is a long way to go and therefore no excuse for complacency, Bank of Greece Governor Yiorgos Provopoulos said last month at the welcome dinner of the ninth annual tourism and development conference of the Association...

Hotel Chamber Holds Media Briefing

The new development law in reality excludes the modernization of low class hotels, which form the backbone of the hotel industry, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels Yiorgos Tsakiris said last month at a media briefing.

PM Optimistic On Greek Tourism, Professionals Worried

“Greek tourism has been switched to autopilot and left unattended, something that was obvious at this year’s Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF)… We did not hear that Greece would carry out what its competitors are im­plementing, whether that be a promotion campaign or the...

Tourism Professionals Fear VAT Hike Rumors

“Any decision that affects the viability and prospects of Greek tourism with low benefits is economic suicide, not fiscal policy,” the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels said last month.