Greek Hotel Regulations Set for Overhaul

Greece's Ministry of Tourism is finalizing a new bill set for public consultation, introducing regulations for short-term rentals and an environmental performance ranking system for hotels.

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, speaking at the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels' general assembly, highlighted a key change for short-term rentals: mandatory liability insurance to cover potential damages or accidents. Enforcement measures and penalties are also being introduced, with inspections to be carried out by Ministry of Tourism officials and joint teams including Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) employees. Penalties and fines, comparable to those for traditional tourist accommodations, will be levied for non-compliance.

The bill also aims to enhance the hospitality sector and Greek tourism overall. A groundbreaking global first, a system for ranking hotels (and optionally, other tourist accommodations) based on environmental performance will be established. Developed in collaboration with the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels and the Technical Chamber of Greece, the system will see the Chamber of Hotels certify accommodations upon application.

Further promoting sustainability, the bill will allow hotels to operate swimming pools filled with seawater.

The bill will soon be submitted to Parliament for consultation, allowing stakeholders and political parties to contribute their proposals.