Tourist Guides in Greece to Strike on July 11 Over New Tourism Bill

Tourist guides across Greece will stage a strike on Thursday, July 11, from 6 am to 8 pm in protest against a new draft bill from the Tourism Ministry, currently under deliberation in Parliament.

The strike will include a demonstration in front of the Parliament building in central Athens, beginning at 10 am.

The Panhellenic Tourist Guide Federation (POXEN) has expressed strong opposition to the bill titled “Strengthening Tourist Infrastructure and Education,” calling it “catastrophic” for professional tour guides. POXEN’s main objection centres on the bill’s restriction of their services to enclosed spaces, which they argue undermines the essence of Greek civilisation, not limited to specific sites.

POXEN fears that the new bill could pave the way for uncertified and unqualified individuals to enter the market. They argue that certified guides would be confined to monuments and museums, reducing professional guiding to mere “escorting.”

Supported by the European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG), POXEN asserts that the current law (710/77) already meets EU standards and guarantees quality services. They believe the new bill threatens to erode these standards and potentially damage Greece’s tourism reputation.

While the Tourism Ministry claims the new law aims to enhance tourism education and update professional standards, POXEN insists it will have the opposite effect, limiting their ability to provide comprehensive and authentic tours of Greece’s rich cultural heritage.

(Source: GTP)