Greece’s 2015 Hotel VAT Hike and Island Tax Abolition: Timing, Impact, and Industry Reactions

• Greece increased hotel VAT to 13% for 2015 and abolished reduced VAT for certain islands.
• Tour operators had already signed contracts and set prices before the tax hike, forcing them to absorb extra costs.
• The timing of the VAT increase is criticized as poorly planned and damaging to tourism competitiveness.
• Industry leaders and officials strongly opposed the government’s decision.
• The article argues that tourism should not be subject to VAT and calls for a stronger, more practical national tourism policy.

Source: traveldailynews.com

Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.

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