Stricter rules for licensed tour guides
The Tourism Ministry has sent a circular to the police, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) and regional authorities with a view to putting a stop to the practice of illegal tour guides, according to new legislation.
Professional guides have to bear a card with their identity details, registration number and languages in which they are licensed to work. Translators are allowed only in the case of languages in which the number of Greek guides is especially small, including Chinese. In exceptional cases, the ministry may grant tour guide licenses to unregistered individuals who have proof of proficiency in languages where the number of professionals is short. Licenses are also granted to any European Union national who is a qualified tour guide in his/her country of origin.
Anyone providing tour guide services without a proper license is liable to a fine that can range from 1,000 to 5,000 euros. Tourism enterprises employing such tour guides are also liable to fines and administrative sanctions.
