In a bid to rebuild after devastating forest fires and floods, Greece has introduced a new climate resilience levy, a form of accommodation tax, which becomes effective this month, Report informs referring to SchengenVisa news.
The government aims to generate funds through this tax to support reconstruction efforts and enhance climate resilience.
According to Greek Reporter, tourists will now be required to pay additional taxes at their accommodations, making taxes even more expensive. The new tax payment system is established to be seasonal and will apply only during the high season – from March to October.
The tax rates vary based on the official rating of the accommodation, ranging from €1 to €4 per night. In other words, those staying in apartments and one or two-star hotels will pay a €1.50 tax, while guests in three-star hotels will pay €3. Four-star hotel stays will cost an additional 7€, and the tax for luxury five-star hotels will be €10.
These taxes will not be included in the prices provided by operators or travel agents, and tourists must pay them locally in the local currency.
Grigoris Tasios, President of the Panhellenic Hoteliers Association, has raised concerns about the potential negative impact of the tax increase on tourism. He fears it may discourage tourists from choosing Greece as their destination, affecting tourism rates and revenue.
However, during the off-season from November to February, the climate resilience levy will resume at the level of the previous bed tax.