Airbnb and Greek Authority double down on measures supporting home sharing
Three years since the start of the pandemic, Greece has finally regained its spot as popular holiday destinations for guests around the world. As the return of international travel brings good news to Greece during a time of economic uncertainty and rising costs of living, so too does the additional income Greek Hosts can earn during the upcoming summer season.
The vast majority of Greek Hosts – approximately 70 percent1 – have just one listing and many are located outside of urban centers, which helps spread tourism benefits to local families and communities. The typical Host in Greece earned approximately $4,000 in 20222.
To facilitate and expedite the uptake of a more sustainable type of tourism and make it easier for local Hosts to pay their fair share of taxes, Airbnb and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR) of Greece met in Delphi to reinforce their existing cooperation.
In April 2021, Airbnb and IAPR signed a collaboration agreement to support the growth of home sharing in Greece. The agreement was meant to make it easier for local Hosts to share their homes and follow the rules. It requires Hosts to include a registration number before they publish a listing. Airbnb also works with local authorities to remove any listings brought to its attention that fail to comply.
Collaboration with IAPR resulted in over 70,000 emails sent to Hosts and tax declaration of income from short-term rental and business activities of tourist accommodation totaling 103 million euros.
“I’m glad our cooperation with Greek Authorities will continue and hopefully expand. As we progress towards clearer, more consistent and harmonized EU-wide short-term rental (STR) rules, Greece has already successfully demonstrated how streamlined data sharing and joint efforts with platforms is the way forward. We are committed to continuing our work with governments and local authorities in Greece and other European countries”.
Giacomo Trovato, Country Manager for Italy and South East Europe
“Results show that the legal framework introduced is working successfully. Cooperation with the platforms is becoming more and more constructive and effective, helping us to evolve our digital tools.”
IAPR Governor Giorgios Pitsilis