From 1 April 2025, the new Regulation on the Relations between Providers of Tourist Accommodation and Customers (Government Gazette B’ 1546/01.04.2025), which replaces the outdated 1976 Regulation, entered into force.

This is a significant change that modernises the operating framework of accommodation businesses, incorporates regulations of the digital age and clearly defines rights and obligations.

πŸ”„ What changes compared with the old Regulation?

The table below summarises the main differences between the new and the old Regulation:

SUBJECT 1976 Regulation 2025 Regulation

Legal basis Decision of the Secretary General of the EOT Decision of the Minister of Tourism with incorporation of modern laws

Type of language Simple and general Legally precise, modern and specific

Pre-contractual customer information Not mandatory Mandatory and detailed (prices, services, terms, check-in/out)

Booking platforms Not provided for Full regulation of confirmation via platform

Cancellation policy General only Detailed framework with limits (e.g. 21 days) and non-refundable cases

Damage / compensation Vague provisions Full provision: customer liability for damage, provider compensation

Check-in / Check-out Not expressly regulated Clear times & consequences (delay = charge)

Pets Implicit reference Express provision – especially for assistance dogs

GDPR / communication No provision Written customer consent for email/sms is suggested

Police intervention Not clear Express possibility of calling the authorities in cases of breaches

Penalties / Fines Not provided for 300€–5.000€ by P.Y.T. for breaches

Applicable Law Customary application Explicitly: Greek law – local courts

βœ”οΈ What should accommodation businesses do?

To ensure you are legally covered, compliant with your obligations and protect your business, we recommend taking the following practical steps:

πŸ“„ Updating booking & information terms

Create a customer information template with:

  • your business details,
  • the check-in/check-out schedule,
  • the services & prices (what is included, what is charged extra),
  • the payment & cancellation policy.

Publish these terms on your website, in confirmation emails and on the platforms.

πŸ’³ Management of bookings & deposits

Use a fixed medium (email or booking system) for confirmation.

Require at least one night's stay as a deposit.

If you offer non-refundable rates, there should be express written acceptance by the customer.

πŸ›ŽοΈ Organisation of check-in/check-out & stay

Inform staff and customers about the new times and the consequences of delayed departure.

Follow the procedure for signing registration forms on arrival.

πŸ” GDPR implementation

Give customers an information and consent sheet for the use of email/sms for marketing.

Properly protect their personal data.

🐾 Pet policy

State explicitly in your policy whether you accept pets.

We remind you that assistance or therapy dogs must not be excluded.

πŸ“Œ Internal policies – staff training

Inform your staff about:

  • when you may expel a customer,
  • what to do in case of damage/violations,
  • how to handle incidents with the Authorities.

πŸ” Legal protection & complaint management

Keep a record of communications with the customer (email, receipts, photographs).

You know that you may claim compensation in the event of damage, even through legal proceedings.

πŸ’¬ Would you like help with implementation?

If you would like:

  • βœ”οΈ a ready-made customer information template,
  • βœ”οΈ a check-in form,
  • βœ”οΈ a cancellation policy in a GDPR-compliant format,
  • βœ”οΈ a mini training course for your staff,
  • Contact us here! Your business must be modern, safe and legally protected.

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