Greek main opposition New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis toured the Aegean islands of Symi and Rhodes on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mr. Mitsotakis, who was accompanied by prominent party officials, such as Greek main opposition New Democracy Tourism Sector head Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas, confirmed through discussions with local tourism stakeholders, his great interest in the sector, noting its potential for further growth amid a healthy business environment.
ND chief has described the residence tax imposed by the government on tourist accommodation from 1.1.2018 as “unreasonable”.
This tax, Mitsotakis noted, mainly aggravates small businesses and acts as a disincentive for the extension of the tourist season.
In this context, the President of New Democracy is committed to abolishing the tax along with gradually easing VAT on accommodation and restaurants, when fiscal conditions permit it.
The head of the main opposition also stressed in Rhodes: “We will improve tax and insurance compliance. Whenever taxes are lowered, the incentive for tax evasion is reduced. When we were government and we reduced VAT in 2013, the effect on State revenue was much better than what the lenders expected. I believe the same thing will happen now, through a generous reduction in tax rates and insurance contributions. “
Mr. Mitsotakis met the mayor, municipal council and other Symi organisations on Tuesday morning and then local tourist associations on Rhodes in the afternoon.
On Wednesday, he attended celebrations being held on Rhodes to mark the anniversary of the Dodecanese islands’ official unification with Greece and visit Archangelos, Afandou and the Tsambika Monastery on the island.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
