A radical reform of the institutional framework governing relations between providers of tourist accommodation and customers has been implemented after nearly five decades. As of Friday, the new Regulation of Relations of Tourism and Customer Providers and Customer Relationships is in force, replacing the existing one since 1976 (decision of Secretary General EOT 503007/1976) signed by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogiannis.

The new regulation establishes provisions that meet the modern needs of tourism and the current legislative framework for hospitality – incorporating the European legislation for organized trips.

The new regulation modernizes provisions and clearly specified by the liabilities of provider Tourist accommodation in order to ensure consumer protection and transparency in transactions between customers and hoteliers.

And it is also a clear framework for modern methods of booking and payment of accommodation through electronic providers and applications and the provider is required to accurately information to the customer on the prior to booking.

The most basic provisions of the new Regulation provide for:

  1. Providers are required to provide customers clear information on the accommodation, the services included in price, cancellation policies and payment methods before booking.
  2. Providers are obliged to provide the availability of the tourist accommodation with the prediction that they will provide the customer with the agreed room differently, must ensure staying in another accommodation of equal or higher class, covering all relevant travel expenses.
  3. Explicitly specified the reservation cancellation status and provider and customer rights
  4. Customers have the right to enjoy the full use of leased areas and public facilities.
  5. The regulation provides for strict sanctions for providers who do not comply with the provisions, with fines ranging from EUR 300 to EUR 5,000, ensuring the proper operation of tourist accommodation and customer protection.
  6. There is a special provision for the dominant pet animals, and businesses are even encouraged to obtain a special animal -friendly tourist accommodation signal.

On the occasion of the publication of the new Regulation of Relations of Tourism and Customer Providers, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogiannis said: “The upgrading of the Greek tourist experience is our priority. The new Regulation of Relationships of Tourist and Customer Providers establishes a clear and fair framework that ensures transparency, quality of services and the protection of consumer / travelers. With the new regulation, we reinforce the confidence between providers and visitors, we form a safe, modern and professional environment and ensure that every visitor enjoys high quality hospitality. At the same time, we introduce specific procedures that protect both customers and businessmen in the industry, with clear terms of residence, clearly recognizing the extent of the rights and obligations of consumer and providers. Greek tourism is evolving, modernized and adapted to modern standards. We continue to build a system of tourist hospitality that respects both the visitor and the professional, contributing to the sustainable development of our tourism industry. “

In a statement, XEE President Alexander Vassilikos noted: “We welcome the Ministry of Tourism’s initiative to reform the regulation of relations of tourist accommodation and customers. The new regulation, aligned with the modern conditions of operation of the tourism market, forms a clear, balanced and operating framework that transpares both the consumer and the hosting service provider. The quality upgrading of our services and the experience we offer to our visitors is a basic prerequisite for continuing the successes of Greek tourism.