The Mayor of Platanias, Mr. Giannis Malandrakis has sent a letter to the Central Union of Greek Mayors raising an issue, which is of special concern to him, but that affects all of Greece. The issue is that of airport taxes in the winter months.There is no difference in the airport taxes into Greek airports during the winter months, and believes that a reduction is something that will help strengthen demand for winter tourism and create the demand for an extended season.
He asks that the Union, via it’s President, makes a positive decision which it will then be sent to the government.
In more detail his communication says:
“In the last few years, bodies in the entire airline and tourist market suggest the absolute necessity for a reduction in the existing taxes that burden the airports of the Country in the winter months, a measure which it is believed will lead to a reduction in flight prices and will make the Greek airports more competitive, giving another much needed boost to Greek tourism.”
He added that the request of tourism bodies is for the Airport Modernisation Tax to be reduced during the period between 1/11 until 31/3 by 50% (to 6euros) as well as from 1/4 until 30/4 and from 1/10 until 30/10 to be reduced by 30% (to 8,4%), in comparison to today’s rates.
“With this move, along with the direct and indirect benefits it will bring to the local communities and the National economy, which will dramatically increase the GDP, the Greek State will in the end, collect multiple amounts stimulating the real economy, which can then go towards funding other areas in such high demand due to difficult times the country continues to go through”, Mr. Malandrakis, pointed out.
He continued by saying that “this position is shared by the Local Government as a whole, recognising the importance of it’s contribution to Tourism, in the growth of the economy, on a Regional and local basis and also for increased employment and the multitude of gains that will been seen as result of such an action”.