hotel operations

Approximately 93% of local hotels have been rendered technically illegal due to recent legislative actions. The proposed amendment aims to address issues within the hotel industry, particularly concerning contracts with foreign tour operators and insurance companies. The amendment targets the transitional period during which hotels can operate without meeting basic law requirements. The proposed changes stipulate that hotels can operate without meeting requirements if architectural plans and necessary permissions are submitted by the end of 2024. This legislative move follows laws in 2019 that granted existing hotels a five-year grace period to comply with regulations. Deputy Minister Koumis attributed delays in license acquisition to the high number of expansions and announcements made by hotels in recent years. Koumis reassured that the proposed extension strengthens safety measures.