Tourism

Our firm has extensive expertise in the tourism sector, providing legal counsel on the full spectrum of issues facing hospitality operators, developers, and investors. We advise on compliance with Greek Law 4276/2014 governing tourism enterprises, EU directives impacting travel services, and sector-specific regulations issued by the Greek Ministry of Tourism.

We assist clients in structuring hotel management agreements, franchising contracts, and partnerships for destination resorts and boutique properties. Our experience extends to handling environmental compliance for large-scale developments under Greek Law 4014/2011, zoning permits, and navigating the complexities of the Greek Golden Visa program under Law 4251/2014.

We provide comprehensive legal support for tourism-related investments, from land acquisition and project financing to licensing and operational compliance. Our team advises on hotel management and franchise agreements, ensuring alignment with branding, operational, and regulatory standards.

We assist in securing permits for tourism developments, including compliance with environmental impact assessments and zoning regulations. Our expertise includes navigating tax-efficient structures for hospitality projects and leveraging incentives under the Investment Incentives Law 4399/2016. Additionally, we handle disputes related to land use, lease agreements, and tourism service contracts, representing clients before Greek administrative courts and arbitration panels.

Our services also extend to tourism-focused technology ventures, such as digital booking platforms, advising on GDPR compliance, consumer rights, and e-commerce regulations under Greek Law 2251/1994.

Tourism is a cornerstone of Greece’s economy, accounting for a significant portion of GDP and employment. The sector is supported by robust legal and regulatory frameworks that promote investment in hospitality, eco-tourism, and infrastructure. Key regulations include Law 4688/2020 on thematic tourism and updated licensing requirements for short-term rentals under Greek Law 4442/2016.

The government’s focus on sustainable tourism and luxury offerings has driven investments in eco-friendly resorts, yacht charters, and cultural heritage projects. Regulatory challenges include compliance with environmental laws, accessibility standards, and tax obligations for tourism enterprises. The digitization of tourism services, including e-visas and online booking platforms, further shapes the industry landscape.

Significant opportunities exist in luxury hospitality, including high-end resorts, boutique hotels, and private villas in prime destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. The Golden Visa program continues to attract international investors seeking residency through property acquisitions in tourism hotspots.

Investments in eco-tourism and sustainable travel are supported by government incentives and align with global trends. Additional opportunities lie in thematic tourism, such as wellness retreats, gastronomy-focused tours, and cultural heritage projects. Greece’s strategic focus on digital transformation and tourism infrastructure development under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan creates further potential for technology-driven solutions and public-private partnerships.