Greece is entering a new era of growth and optimism, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Thursday, addressing the 24th Convention of the Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises (SETE), in Athens.
Tsipras spoke of the upcoming conclusion of the country’s bailout program review and the start of talks on state debt.
The prime minister said tourism is spearheading the new development era that is dawning, as it supports employment in at least 200 professions.
Tsipras said that the government is ensuring an environment of economic stability and guarantees security, the two pillars that are essential for tourism.
The prime minister added that he wants to send a message to the rest of the world that this is a country of stability and security, despite the fact that it is located in the middle of a tumultuous region. He also said that after the first program review is concluded and public debt is reduced, uncertainty will be replaced by stability.
“The challenges are great and in many cases are beyond us, as we live in the most beautiful but troubled neighborhood in the world, in a Europe that is experiencing a security crisis,” Tsipras said.
Commenting on specific measures the government is planning for the tourism sector, he said the levy for overnight hotel stay will be applied as of 2018. He also said that the new VAT on hotel stay will be 13% (it was 6.5%), when creditors were asking for a 23% VAT.
Furthermore, Tsipras said that in the second half of 2016, 10 billion euros will be distributed in the Greek economy, allowing the country to return to growth before the end of the year.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
