The Benefits of Choosing Villa Accommodation In Light of Greece's Climate Resilience Levy
Posted on Monday 19th February 2024 by
As Greece prepares to implement the Climate Resilience Levy in 2024, travellers may find themselves navigating new ground in their holiday planning.
While the levy represents a shift in the landscape of tourism expenses, there are distinct advantages to choosing villa accommodation, particularly in partnership with Crete Escapes.
Here's why villa stays offer a unique and rewarding experience, despite the inevitable impact of the levy…
Transparent Pricing with Crete Escapes
While we understand the Climate Resilience Levy may be an unwelcome addition to travel expenses, our commitment to clarity ensures that there are no hidden costs. Due to the nature of accommodation offered by Crete Escapes, it isn't feasible to collect this levy during your stay and therefore will automatically be added in the upfront booking process in gbp sterling, offering guests peace of mind and eliminating surprises upon arrival.
While the Climate Resilience Levy applies to all short-term rental accommodation, villa stays offer a distinct advantage in terms of cost distribution. Unlike per-person charges, the levy is applied per accommodation, making villa stays an economical choice for families and groups. By pooling resources, guests can enjoy the benefits of villa living while contributing to Greece's resilience efforts.
Commitment to Sustainable Travel
Villa accommodations inherently promote sustainable travel practices. With access to private amenities and the freedom to prepare meals using locally sourced ingredients, guests can minimise their environmental footprint and support local communities. Embrace a greener approach to travel and discover the beauty of Greece's natural landscapes while treading lightly on the environment.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our guests for their understanding during this transition. Your cooperation enables us to navigate this change proactively, demonstrating a collective commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
As one of our valued guests aptly expressed, "The service we have received from Crete Escapes has always been second to none. We never have to worry something will go wrong when booking with you. Thank you and all your staff for everything you do." This sentiment reflects our ongoing dedication to ensuring your experience with Crete Escapes exceeds expectations, even amidst industry changes.
Building Resilience: Funding Greece's Future
The Climate Resilience Levy serves as a vital source of funding for Greece's resilience efforts in the face of climate change. Recent years have seen Greece confronted with unprecedented natural disasters, including devastating forest fires and floods.
In 2023 alone, the country experienced its worst flooding ever, resulting in tragic loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and significant economic impact. Storm Daniel inundated about 140,000 hectares of land, including vital agricultural regions in Thessaly, exacerbating the challenges faced by local communities.
The government has earmarked funds from the levy to bolster special reserves, increasing them from €300 million ($320 million) to €600 million by 2024, as part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate future risks and enhance resilience.
As Greece grapples with the aftermath of these natural disasters, the government remains committed to meeting fiscal targets and pursuing reform agendas. Despite the economic toll of extreme weather events, tourism continues to drive growth, with a remarkable 26% year-on-year increase in arrivals during the first half of 2023 and a corresponding 23.9% rise in revenues.
As the country charts a course towards recovery and renewal, the Climate Resilience Levy represents a proactive step towards building a more resilient future, ensuring that Greece remains a cherished destination for generations to come.
Embracing Change: 'The Year of the Tourist Tax'
The Climate Resilience Levy emphasises the importance of sustainable travel practices and responsible tourism. As 2024 is being touted as 'the year of the tourist tax,' Greece's implementation of the levy reflects a global trend towards funding environmental initiatives through tourism. Similar measures are being introduced in various destinations worldwide.
Despite its implications, villa accommodation offers guests a unique opportunity to embrace change while enjoying the comforts of home. At Crete Escapes, we stand ready to guide you through this journey, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience that leaves a positive impact on Greece's cultural and environmental heritage.
