Summary
Details
- Greece
Law 4688/2020 is binding for businesses and developers operating in the regulated tourism activities and infrastructure it covers.
In practice, in-scope entities must:
Obtain the required licences/approvals before operating.
Follow the technical and operational conditions applicable to the activity (including site-specific conditions for diving tourism).
Maintain documentation for inspections and compliance checks.
Exceptions:
Activities outside the law’s defined “special forms of tourism” and regulated facilities are not directly covered.
Certain activities may fall under alternative sectoral rules (environmental permitting, cultural heritage, maritime rules), which can impose stricter conditions than this tourism-specific law.
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What’s Required
Law 4688/2020 updates Greece’s tourism framework with a strong focus on “special forms of tourism”, including diving tourism, marinas and tourism ports, and new tourism products (e.g., glamping). It also includes operational and licensing provisions affecting tourism businesses and coastal activity management.
Typical compliance actions for operators and developers include:
Securing the right permits and authorisations for tourism infrastructure (e.g., marinas, tourism ports) and special-use activities.
For diving tourism, complying with the rules for establishing and operating “accessible” diving sites, including conditions set via implementing acts.
Meeting the relevant safety, operational and environmental conditions for regulated tourism activities and facilities.
Important Deadlines
The law was enacted in May 2020.
Specific deadlines depend on the permitting cycle of each project and on implementing decisions (for example, for the designation of “accessible” dive sites).
Current Status
Law 4688/2020 is in force and used as a core basis for regulating special tourism activities and related infrastructure, including recreational diving tourism rules referenced in later practice and research.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Administrative sanctions can include fines, suspension of operations, and revocation of licences where activities operate without required approvals or breach operating conditions.
Additional penalties may apply under environmental or coastal protection rules if impacts occur in protected areas.
Examples of Known Violations
Publicly discussed compliance issues typically involve:
Operating without the correct licensing/authorisation for coastal or special tourism activities.
Non-compliance with conditions for regulated diving sites or tourism facilities.
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