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Greece slaps 18% VAT on touristsTourists to Greek islands will be forced to pay an 18 per cent tax on hotel and restaurant bills so that Athens can raise money to appease Brussels.The plans were denounced as “catastrophic” by heads of tourism and came as officials at the European Central Bank drew up plans for a parallel currency for Greece as the country hurtles towards bankruptcy.
Only last month holidaymakers jetting off to Greece this summer were warned to take emergency cash with them in case the country's ATMs are suddenly switched off amid a mounting debt crisis.The Greek tourist board and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have advised travellers against relying solely on credit cards and cash machines to pay for items in the Mediterranean country.
Greece's plan to to charge tourists 18 per cent tax on hotels and restaurants in the hope of revitalising its flagging economy has been described as 'catastrophic' by tourism chiefs.Tax could rise to 18 per cent from 13 per cent on restaurant bills, while tax on hotels could almost triple from the current 6.5 per cent rate.Fears are growing that it will not only affect those with existing bookings to visit the country, but also put prospective tourists off.
