On the occasion of the 48-hour strike of taxi drivers in Attica, the Ministry of Tourism clarifies with a non-paper that the recent Joint Ministerial Decision on Transport and Tourism does not introduce new regulations, but clarifies and strengthens the existing institutional framework.
What does the JMD provide?
• The lessee can also be a legal entity, as already provided for by Law 4093/2012 and implemented from 2020 through the platform of the Ministry of Transport.
• All restrictions on tourist transport work are maintained (minimum rent, minimum lease duration, driver obligations: foreign language, high school diploma, insurance awareness).
• The prohibition of multiple rental of tourist rental vehicles is not affected.
• The penalty framework as established since 2014 remains in force.
• The purpose is to preserve the quality of the services provided and to meet the increased transportation needs due to the explosive growth of visitors.
As stated in the non-paper, “Greek tourism has turned a page. It is modernizing, developing, evolving. We are talking about a sector of the economy that is based on quality, hospitality and authentic experience. For this transition to succeed, every link in the chain – from accommodation to transportation – must operate with professionalism and consistency. Taxis, like every means of transportation, are the first and last image that the visitor gets of our country. Their role is crucial, but so is their responsibility. In an economy that generates income, creates thousands of jobs and supports entire local communities, there is no place for workers to confront each other. No one is left behind in the effort to keep our tourism competitive, modern and attractive. Quality tourism means rules, order and legality – not lawlessness.”
