Ministry of Tourism Bill passed by Greek Parliament

Ministry of Tourism Bill Passed | Airbnb Standards Effective October 1
The Ministry of Tourism’s draft law “Establishment of specifications for short-term rental properties, environmental classification of accommodations, simplification of the process of establishing tourism businesses and more specific provisions for controlling and strengthening the tourism infrastructure framework” was passed by the Parliament.
The Ministry of Tourism’s draft law comes to support the broader strategic planning for sustainable and balanced tourism development, the qualitative upgrading of the sector, and the enrichment and diversification of Greece’s tourism offering, stated the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, in her speech to the Plenary of the Parliament during the vote on the principle, articles and the entire draft law.
The minister stated that through the provisions, important issues for the tourism market are resolved and a more favorable framework for investments is formed, bases are created to shape a strongly competitive and sustainable future for tourism in our country, special forms of tourism are strengthened and conditions are created for the extension of the tourist season and balanced tourism development and a strong dynamic for development is created for the benefit of the many as through the bill the benefit from tourism will be maximized and will return fairly to society, to the citizens of the country.
In the bill:
- Regulations are introduced for short-term leases. Minimum operational specifications are established as well as corresponding safety specifications for residents of properties rented for the short term.
It is stipulated that the properties must be main use areas based on the New Building Regulation, have natural lighting, ventilation & air conditioning as well as insurance against civil liability. At the same time, the framework for monitoring compliance with these specifications is being established by the services of the Ministry of Tourism and potentially by mixed control teams with employees of the A.A.D.E. In order to adapt the market to these new specifications that are being established, the entry into force of the provisions for short-term rental of real estate will begin on October 1, 2025. - An innovative system for classifying hotels and optionally non-main hotel accommodations is being established, based on their environmental performance. It is being introduced following an initiative by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism. This expresses in practice our will to integrate the principles of sustainability and national and European climate goals. Secondary legislation follows with a Joint Ministerial Decree, which determines the number of categories, the technical and operational specifications of valid hotel accommodations, the method and procedure for classifying them into categories, and the scoring criteria. Secondary legislation does not come to Parliament but is made in consultation with the bodies and with the consent of the State's institutional advisors, namely the Council of Tourism and the Council of Tourism
- It is envisaged to simplify the procedures relating to the licensing of tourism businesses, specifically car and light motor vehicle rental businesses as well as freight brokerage offices. These businesses are also included in the operation notification regime. The aim is to accelerate the procedures for starting operations of these businesses and to remove obstacles to entrepreneurship. At the same time, the services of the Ministry of Tourism will be relieved of a significant volume of bureaucratic procedures.
- Zoning issues are being regulated for projects in the sea and land zones of tourist ports. We aim to clarify the licensing framework for facilities that serve accessibility and multifunctionality in tourist ports, necessary for upgrading the operation of ports and responding to modern market needs. If any new projects are carried out within the existing sea and land zone, they should not require zoning modifications.
- With a view to saving water resources, the institutional framework is being regulated to allow the execution of seawater pumping and pumping projects for the swimming pools of legally operating hotel accommodations. This is a solution that is also being promoted in other countries that are facing similar problems related to the climate crisis.
- Regulations are introduced for Spas, it is proposed to amend the definition and lift the obligation to use natural thermal resources in them. The definition is harmonized with the trend to expand the types of services that are allowed to be provided by spas, which are not necessarily of a thermal nature but may include wellness services.
-
The institutional framework for Co-Owned Hotels is being completed, a product that can contribute to the strengthening of tourism in cities and urban tourist destinations.
-
The possibility of public sector employees staying in hotel staff rooms is being provided for in order to partially address the issue of housing public sector personnel, especially in areas with intense tourist activity with a lack of available and affordable housing.
-
Emphasis is placed on the promotion of religious and pilgrimage tourism, as an important part of our country's tourism offer. The Museum of Byzantine Culture is being assigned the coordinating role for the cultural route of the steps of the Apostle Paul.
-
A set of legislative initiatives and actions is being adopted to strengthen mountain tourism, which is part of the strategic objectives of the ministry for the diffusion of tourism in space and time, within the framework of the overall strategy for sustainable and qualitative development. A new tourism product called a sustainable mountain tourism destination is being created. In particular, the aim is to transform Ski Resorts into special tourist infrastructures with 12-month operation, with the possibility of offering other activities beyond skiing. A ministerial decision that is being launched paves the way for the development of mountain refuges and certain categories of main tourist accommodation within the area of ski resorts, in distinct locations, in accordance with the applicable general and special provisions for the protection of forest areas and special protection zones.
The competitiveness of mountain destinations is being strengthened
We are strengthening the competitiveness of mountain destinations and are moving forward with a coherent policy for the development of mountain tourism. The ministry has already disbursed approximately 30 million euros of Recovery Fund resources to three of the five ski resorts for which funding has been approved for the upgrade and modernization of their infrastructure. Another 20 million euros will be disbursed immediately for 2 more ski resorts, while approximately 5.5 million euros are also being channeled from Recovery Fund resources for actions to promote and promote mountain tourism through the creation of a special digital platform as well as for the upgrade of mountain refuge facilities.
With the third cycle of the Tourism for All program, which concerns the stimulation of domestic tourism, we are further and more targeted strengthening the promotion of the mountainous regions of the country.
Enhanced amounts are also foreseen for those who will be drawn who choose to take a vacation in the off-season and winter months.
The minister emphasized: “The successful course of tourism highlights the need to remain competitive, the need to continue reforms, for digital transition and the lifting of administrative burdens. To emphasize innovation, to respond to modern challenges, such as the intensifying impacts of the climate crisis, the environmental footprint of increasing tourism activity, but also the changes in the modern tourism environment shaped by demographic developments, new trends in tourism supply and demand, the growing awareness of travelers regarding sustainable management practices and, of course, developments in digital technology."
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
- 1) Hellenic Republic President to receive new Ambassadors of Vietnam, Ireland, and Sweden
- 2) Deputy FM at the inauguration of Greece's General Consulate in Manchester
- 3) Greece's Climate Crisis Minister meets with France Ambassador to Athens
- 4) Deputy Foreign Minister: Greek-origin MP’s abroad promote Greece's international image
07/02 23:09
Grant payments for 4 hotel investments in Paxos, Lefkada, Zakynthos and Chania
07/02 18:40
Olga Kefalogianni in HORECA | Greece has experience in managing natural phenomena
07/02 15:06
FedHATTA: “Opening up” of Greek travel agencies to the Iranian market
07/02 14:35
07/02 13:49
07/02 13:26
Applications for the Best Tourism Villages 2025 are now open
07/02 13:02
Springer Reisen: 20 connections to Greek islands this summer
07/02 12:26
Greece: Nearly 30 million international air arrivals in 2024 - Who traveled where
07/02 11:19
Europe as a single tourist destination - A. Fiorentinos at the Destination Europe Summit 2025
07/02 06:55
Positive prospects for tourism in 2025 but major “thorns” remain
07/02 06:14
Donation from HEDNO for the restoration of the Ottoman Bath of Kalloni in Lesvos
06/02 18:58
Work on the Thessaloniki Flyover is progressing at a rapid pace
06/02 18:54
Sports Tourism | Ministerial meeting for the Euroleague Coaches Conference 2025
06/02 18:25
29.3 million international air arrivals in 2024, with clear signs of an extended season
06/02 16:43
06/02 15:49
06/02 14:42
Sotheby’s: The Athenian Riviera is first in demand for luxury properties
06/02 13:48
06/02 12:05
Travelers are paying attention to cost and quality, few to sustainability
06/02 11:57
Wyndham and HR Group expand into Germany, Austria and the Netherlands
06/02 07:37
How will Naxos deal with the risk of water shortages ahead of the tourist season
06/02 07:28
Attica Region: There is no overtourism in Athens - a warning for infrastructure
06/02 07:16
Grant payments for 4 hotel investments in Rhodes, Chania, Itilo and Sivota
06/02 07:05
06/02 06:11
Municipality of Folegandros: Prohibition of roaming or grazing animals in tourist areas
05/02 19:57
Milos Municipality attempts to block second investment for 5-star hotel
05/02 19:03
National Action Plan for Cycling, with development in cycling tourism
05/02 16:51
05/02 15:46
05/02 12:41
The first robotic restaurant with artificial intelligence at Barcelona Airport
05/02 12:40
Athens Airport: 2025 started on a positive note,+14.5% passengers in January
05/02 12:35
How foreign travel professionals will promote Greek destinations
05/02 11:45
Tourism: 4 Greek islands capture Americans’ 2025 vacation interest
05/02 07:04
Grants for a boat shelter in Halkidiki and hotels in Chania, Zagori, and Koroni
05/02 07:02
05/02 06:53
Conde Nast Traveller | Crete among the 29 best places to visit before summer
05/02 06:22
05/02 06:14
05/02 06:13
Holy Metropolis of Rhodes: Digital Promotion of Museums Network and Monuments
05/02 06:09
04/02 22:49
Main Patras-Pyrgos highway section due to finish July 31, open to traffic soon
04/02 20:18
Hellenic Republic President to receive new Ambassadors of Vietnam, Ireland, and Sweden
04/02 19:53
04/02 17:31
Pan-Cretan Forum | Promoting Cretan products in Cretan hotels for the 13th year
04/02 16:05
SKY Express: Free tickets for children and teachers on Santorini-Athens flights
04/02 14:57
04/02 14:40
04/02 14:01
SkyUp Airlines: Two new connections to Athens and Corfu from Moldova
04/02 11:34
Rethymno Hoteliers head | The upcoming tourist season is predicted to be "quite good"
04/02 11:25
European Hotels: "Stop" on single-use plastic packaging from 2030
04/02 07:13
Greek hotels: Revenues in 2024 soar 11% above 2023 - read the latest investments
04/02 06:58
Filming at Kallimarmaro Stadium in Athens to create an electronic map
03/02 23:01
03/02 18:11
03/02 17:15
Chania: Smart barriers to protect the Venetian port and its visitors
03/02 16:02
Rhodes: The season kicks off on March 28, wounds from "Bora" storm remains
03/02 15:53
03/02 15:08
Promotion of Lesvos in Istanbul - Participation in EMITT 2025
03/02 14:48
03/02 13:14
Wyndham Hotels: Agreement with Zafido Holding for a new hotel in Piraeus
03/02 12:25
03/02 11:03
HolidayCheck: These are the 50 most popular Greek hotels in Germany for 2025
03/02 10:29
Cruises to Chania make a positive first impression in 2025 - 1,347 visitors daily
03/02 06:38
iAlonissos: Digital promotion of local natural and cultural attractions
03/02 06:25
5 new hotel investments in Lefkada, Rhodes, Ios, Karystos and Trikala
02/02 20:08
The travel profile of expatriates from Australia - the rescue of Rex
02/02 06:48
01/02 13:58
Tourism in Turkey beats expectations - 62 million arrivals, $61 billion in revenue in 2024
01/02 07:04
Volotea: Codeshare cooperation with Aegean to run on 13 routes
31/01 18:11
10 new hotel investments in Corfu, Rhodes, Paros, Ios, Skiathos, Samos, Kalambaka and Kranidi
31/01 17:49
Booking.com | Hotels: Don't leave negative guest reviews unanswered
31/01 10:18
The Region of Crete at the FITUR exhibition - Promising prospects from Spanish-speaking markets
31/01 10:15
ITEP Survey: Hotel Performance stagnant in Greece in December
31/01 07:03
Municipality of Agrinio reacts to photovoltaic plant in Kremaston Lake - threat to tourism
31/01 06:54
31/01 06:07
Mitsis Group: Donation of an architectural study to enhance a beachfront in Crete
31/01 00:02
Commission: First comprehensive European strategy for tourism coming
30/01 23:08
Greek Culture Ministers to attend European conference in support of Ukraine's heritage
30/01 18:58
Cruise: Viking Libra to make maiden voyage in 2026 from Piraeus
30/01 17:56
Record year in 2024 for international air transport – Now “flying” above 2019
30/01 17:50
Accessible tourism on the beaches of the Municipality of Agios Vasilios, Crete
30/01 16:40
Travel | London is now the top destination for Greeks abroad
30/01 16:23
Aegean: 40% increase in available seats from Saudi Arabia in 2025
30/01 16:04
UK Tourism | Lesser-known destinations and experiential travel the main trend in 2025
30/01 14:35
Pancretan Association of Hotel Managers Seminars underway for 2025
30/01 13:22
Airbnb is “sweeping” Europe - Demand is growing faster than supply in Greece
30/01 11:17
Airbnb | 76 billion euros in revenue for hosts in Europe in 2024
30/01 11:09
Investments | Lifestyle Hotels with branded residences and alternative accommodations in focus
30/01 10:30
30/01 06:52
30/01 06:45
Tourism Observatory in the Region of Thessaly in Central Greece
30/01 06:40
Networking of the municipality of Aristotle with the municipality of Valletta in Malta
30/01 06:16
What will the exciting diving park in Stalis of Hersonissos be like
29/01 23:59
Dynamic promotion of the Greek city of Thessaloniki in the Irish market
29/01 22:59
Why France hits record high of 100 million international arrivals in 2024
29/01 22:48
29/01 19:18
Conde Nast Traveller | Milos and Paros are the top Greek islands
29/01 17:49
Thessaly: Innovation, experience, digitalization lead to lengthening of tourist season
29/01 17:04
The Canary Islands present their new strategy as a sustainable destination
29/01 16:44
Rethymno Carnival | “Come to the Light” with a rich program of events
FedHATTA: “Opening up” of Greek travel agencies to the Iranian market
Applications for the Best Tourism Villages 2025 are now open
Grant payments for 4 hotel investments in Paxos, Lefkada, Zakynthos and Chania
Europe as a single tourist destination - A. Fiorentinos at the Destination Europe Summit 2025
Positive prospects for tourism in 2025 but major “thorns” remain
Greece: Nearly 30 million international air arrivals in 2024 - Who traveled where
Springer Reisen: 20 connections to Greek islands this summer
Olga Kefalogianni in HORECA | Greece has experience in managing natural phenomena
Donation from HEDNO for the restoration of the Ottoman Bath of Kalloni in Lesvos
29.3 million international air arrivals in 2024, with clear signs of an extended season
Wyndham and HR Group expand into Germany, Austria and the Netherlands
Work on the Thessaloniki Flyover is progressing at a rapid pace
Sotheby’s: The Athenian Riviera is first in demand for luxury properties
Sports Tourism | Ministerial meeting for the Euroleague Coaches Conference 2025
Travelers are paying attention to cost and quality, few to sustainability
Airbnb is “sweeping” Europe - Demand is growing faster than supply in Greece
5 new hotel investments in Lefkada, Rhodes, Ios, Karystos and Trikala