The Greek Health Tourism Council (HEL.I.TOUR.), headed by the President of the Athens Medical Association, Dr. Giorgos Patoulis, submitted a formal proposal to the Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Olga Kefalogianni, with notification to Ministers of National Economy and Finance, Mr. Kyriakos Pierrakakis and Health, Mr. Adonis GeorgiadisThe proposal concerns the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on health services provided to international visitors.
Greece has all the guarantees to develop into a leading Health and Wellness Tourism destination, with highly trained medical staff, modern infrastructure and rich natural and cultural resources. Despite these comparative advantages, the excessively high taxation of related services – with VAT currently standing at 24% – undermines the country's competitiveness and discourages the arrival of high-income visitors.
As the letter points out, VAT on health services before the memorandum period was 0% and then increased successively, making Greece one of the most taxed countries in Europe in this sector. In contrast, many competing countries within and outside the EU apply particularly low – even zero – rates, with positive results in attracting patient tourists.
EL.I.TOUR. recommends either the implementation of a special tax regulation or the provision of targeted incentives and exemptions for businesses in the sector, in order to create a competitive development environment. Such a reform is expected to strengthen the Greek economy, create new jobs and promote regional development, especially in areas with thermal baths, specialized clinics and related infrastructure.
EL.I.TOUR. declares its readiness to collaborate closely with the State, offering its know-how and experience, so that Greece can become a protagonist on the international map of Health and Wellness Tourism.
From the Press Office
