Table of Contents
- 1 Airbnb’s public spaces
- 2 The arrangements brought by Kefalogianni
- 3 Many properties off the market
- 4 The new hotel classification system
- 5 Sustainable development is the goal
- 6 **What specific arguments does Nikos Dimitriou present to support the perception that the new law’s stricter standards are seen as both necessary and burdensome by short-term rental owners?** (This question focuses on analyzing the specific viewpoints and reasoning presented by a particular speaker.)
A new operating regime for Airbnb-type short-term rental accommodations is introduced by the draft law that will be brought to public consultation from the beginning of next week by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.
The regime becomes much stricter as it provides operating specifications that are similar to those of hotels, while the most important element of the bill is that for the first time the accommodations will be checked if they meet the conditions of the specifications by the services of the Ministry of Tourism and fines will also be imposed.
Airbnb’s public spaces
Information from the OT states that the interventions of the new law concern only the accommodation and not the common areas in the apartment buildings, while also only the areas of main use will be able to be used as short-term rental accommodation.
It is recalled that key elements of the draft law were presented for the first time on principle to the cabinet on October 31 by Olga Kefalogianni, while on those days the consultation with the co-competent ministries was completed and from next week it is expected to be made public and put up for public consultation .
The arrangements brought by Kefalogianni
According to what was then presented to the Ministry Council by Mrs. Kefalogianni Airbnb type accommodations must:
- Have liability insurance for damages or accidents that may be caused,
- To have a responsible declaration of an electrician, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, stop relays or anti-electric shock relays and signs of escape,
- Have a mycicide and deworming certificate, a pharmacy with first aid items as well as a guide with emergency telephone numbers,
- To be spaces with primary residential use and to have natural lighting, ventilation & air conditioning.
Many properties off the market
A first taste of the new arrangements is expected to be given by the Minister during the 12th General Assembly of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, which will take place on Saturday, November 23 at the Metropolitan Expo exhibition center in the Athens International Airport area.
The draft law of the Ministry of Tourism is estimated to “take” out of the market a significant number of properties that have been included in the short-term lease as their adaptation to the new obligations will be either costly or impossible.
These residences will obligatorily be given, as reported by competent sources, on long-term leases, reducing the pressure on the housing crisis mainly in large urban centers which is also a requirement of the general government policy.
As noted by competent actors, after the intervention in the tax framework, the new bill complements the institutional framework for the operation of short-term rental accommodations and establishes a framework for healthier competition with hotels.
The new hotel classification system
The draft law of the Ministry of Tourism will also include the new classification system for Greek hotels based on sustainability criteria as well as their evaluation and certification according to their environmental and social footprint.
The basic arrangements were also examined in a recent meeting of the Minister of Tourism Ms. Olga Kefalogiannis with the President of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (ΕΕΕ) Mr. Alexandros Vasilikos, the President of the Hellenic Technical Chamber (TEE) Mr. Giorgos Stasinos and the General Secretary of the EOT Andreas Fiorentinos.
It is a pioneering and innovative, worldwide, hotel classification system, which is at the same time a holistic approach to dealing with the modern challenges and problems caused by the climate crisis, as reported by the Ministry.
Sustainable development is the goal
As Ms. Olga Kefalogianni said, the classification system is essentially a road map for sustainability, viability and resilience, which is part of the strategy of the Ministry of Tourism for the qualitative development of Greek Tourism.
The Minister of Tourism informed the presidents of the Chambers, which process the criteria and studies, that the institutionalization of the system in principle is already included in the Ministry of Tourism’s bill, which will be submitted to public consultation in the next few days.
“Sustainable tourism development is a strategic priority of the Ministry of Tourism. In this context, we are immediately proceeding with the institutionalization of a classification system for Greek hotels, based on the integration of sustainability principles and national and European climate goals. The evaluation of accommodations through this system is a global innovation,” emphasized Ms. Olga Kefalogianni.
Source: OT.GR
#operating #regime #Airbnb #Strict #standards #coming #properties #market
**What specific arguments does Nikos Dimitriou present to support the perception that the new law’s stricter standards are seen as both necessary and burdensome by short-term rental owners?** (This question focuses on analyzing the specific viewpoints and reasoning presented by a particular speaker.)
## World Today News Podcast: Airbnb in Greece – A New Era?
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News Podcast! Today we’re diving into the changes sweeping through Greece’s short-term rental market. Joining us are two experts to help unpack the implications of a new draft law proposed by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. We have Emma Jones, a legal expert specializing in property regulations, and Nikos Dimitriou, a representative from a leading short-term rental association. Welcome to both of you!
**Emma & Nikos:** Thank you for having us.
**(Theme 1: Stricter Operating Standards)**
**Host:** Let’s start with the core of the new law: much stricter operating requirements for Airbnb-type rentals, mirroring those of hotels. Emma, could you elaborate on these new standards and what they might entail for property owners?
**Emma:** Certainly. The law sets forth a comprehensive list of requirements encompassing safety, hygiene, and accountability. We’re talking liability insurance, fire safety measures like smoke detectors and extinguishers, mandatory pest control, and even equipping properties with first aid kits and emergency contact information.
**Host:** Nikos, from the perspective of short-term rental owners and associations, how do these new standards resonate? Are they seen as burdensome, necessary, or somewhere in between?
**Nikos:** There are certainly mixed reactions within our association. Some welcome the move towards greater professionalization and standardization, seeing it as a way to elevate the industry. Others express concern about the potential costs of adaptation, which could be particularly challenging for smaller property owners.
**(Theme 2: Impact on the Market)**
**Host:** The article mentions that the new law could potentially take a significant number of properties off the short-term rental market. Emma, how might this impact the availability and pricing of short-term rentals in popular tourist areas?
**Emma:** We could see a shift in the market landscape. With fewer properties available for short-term rentals, demand might increase, potentially driving up prices. This could also create opportunities for traditional hotels to fill the gap, leading to a renewed sense of competition.
**Host:** Nikos, how do you envision these changes affecting the short-term rental sector’s overall growth and sustainability in the long run?
**Nikos:** It’s too early to say definitively, but it’s clear that the industry is at a crossroads. This law necessitates adaptation and potentially consolidation within the sector. Those who can meet the new standards and embrace the evolving marketplace will be best positioned for long-term success.
**(Theme 3: Balancing Tourism and Housing)**
**Host:** The article also highlights the government’s aim to alleviate the housing crisis in urban centers by redirecting properties from short-term rentals to long-term leases. Emma, how effective might this strategy be in addressing the housing shortage?
**Emma:** It’s a complex issue with no easy solutions. The new law could certainly help free up some properties for long-term rentals, but it’s unlikely to be a silver bullet. Other factors contributing to the housing crisis, such as limited supply and rising construction costs, would need to be addressed as well.
**Host:** Nikos, what are your thoughts on this balancing act between fostering the tourism industry through short-term rentals and ensuring access to affordable housing for residents?
**Nikos:** It’s a crucial balancing act. While short-term rentals undoubtedly contribute to the economy and tourist landscape, we must acknowledge the potential impact on local communities. A sustainable approach would involve finding a harmonious balance that benefits both tourists and residents.
**(Theme 4: A Sustainable Future for Greek Tourism)**
**Host:** let’s touch upon the new hotel classification system based on sustainability criteria. Emma, how significant is this move in terms of promoting eco-conscious tourism practices?
**Emma:** It’s a noteworthy step towards building a more sustainable tourism industry. By recognizing and rewarding hotels that prioritize environmental and social responsibility, the system can encourage broader industry-wide adoption of sustainable practices.
**Host:** Nikos, what are your thoughts on this new classification system, particularly in relation to the short-term rental sector? Could similar sustainability criteria be applied?
**Nikos:** Absolutely! I believe there’s room for exploring sustainability standards for short-term rentals as well. Partnering with organizations dedicated to sustainable tourism practices could help us develop guidelines and certifications that align with this vision.
**Host:** Thank you both for providing such insightful perspectives on these crucial developments within Greece’s tourism sector. We’ll be following the progression of this new law with great interest.
