Tourism Law in Europe

2 2. The Institutional Framework of Tourism Tourism is subjected not only to specific tourism regulations but also regulations primarily designed for other areas, such as the environment, consumer protection or preservation of cultural and historical heritage. There is a large variety of tourism regulations (i.e. laws, presidential decrees and ministerial decisions) within the different competency levels of administration, and the institutional framework of tourism in Greece is determined by three fundamental laws: Law 2160/1993, “Tourism and other provisions” (Government Gazette A’ 118), Law 4276/2014, “Simplification of operating procedures of tourism enterprises and tourist infrastructures, special forms of tourism and other provisions” (Government Gazette A’ 155) and Law 4582/2018, “Thematic tourism - Special forms of tourism…” (Government Gazette A’ 208). In particular, Law 2160/93 proceeded to systematise the operating procedures for tourism enterprises and tourism infrastructure, while the more recent Law 4276/2014 promoted the simplification of the relevant procedures and clarified the content of the special forms of tourism. Finally, Law 4582/2018 regulates the institutional framework of thematic tourism and alternative or special forms of tourism. The Special Operating Label is still in force, functioning as an operating license for tourist accommodation; the procedure for its granting for hotels and organised camping sites, as well as furnished rooms and apartments for rent, is simplified. The classification of tourist accommodation is now entrusted to the Chamber of Hotels of Greece. Additionally, in this body, the General Commercial Registry service is created as well as a one-stop-shop service, in order to simplify the procedures and faster processing of the applications. Moreover, the Citizens’ Service Centres (KEP), operating as a Single Contact Service Point for citizens, can accept applications for the licensing of tourism enterprises. Picture 1 : Special Operating Label for tourist accommodation issued by the Ministry of Tourism