Hotels to house public sector workers

by | Dec 1, 2024 | Business

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Legislation aims to address staff shortages to combat seasonal housing crisis in tourism hotspots

Seeking to tackle the chronic housing shortage faced by public sector workers in popular tourist destinations, the government is rolling out a plan to recruit hotels.

The proposed bill by the Tourism Ministry would allow state agencies – including those overseeing education, health, the police, and fire services – to lease hotel staff rooms for their employees, aiming to secure vital public services during peak tourism seasons.

The housing crunch has long plagued regions such as the Cyclades islands, where summer rental prices soar beyond the reach of civil servants, forcing many to turn down posts.

Teachers, doctors, police officers and firefighters are among those disproportionately affected. “The phenomenon is becoming increasingly severe, making it impossible to adequately staff structures that provide public utility services to residents, which are absolutely essential for their quality of life, safety and dignity,” a government official said.

The new legislation builds on a model tested during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the government contracted hotels to accommodate healthcare workers and patients.

Under the current plan, state agencies would lease hotel staff rooms, which are legally regulated to meet specific standards. These accommodations are designed for hotel personnel and are not typically available for tourists, ensuring they remain an affordable option.

The bill stipulates minimum standards for these rooms: a double bedroom must measure at least 14 square meters and include access to a shared kitchen. Such measures aim to ensure dignified living conditions for public employees, many of whom struggle to secure housing amid fierce competition from short-term tourist rentals.

Popular destinations, where hotel rooms often generate higher profits from tourists, have seen staffing shortages that disrupt essential services for both residents and visitors. The government hopes this initiative will bridge that gap, ensuring adequate staffing for public services in remote and high-demand areas.

The initiative has also sparked interest among hotel operators and developers, who see potential in expanding facilities for staff housing. Legislation passed earlier this year already allows hotels to build such units on their properties under certain conditions.

The draft bill, spearheaded by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, is now open for public consultation before heading to Parliament. If passed, it could provide much-needed relief for public workers while addressing broader housing inequities in tourism-heavy regions.

https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1254923/hotels-to-house-public-sector-workers/

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