Paschalis Karagiannis, alternate member of the Board of Directors of Stama Greece, answers BnBNews’ questions highlighting critical issues and strategic challenges of the industry.
Mr. Karagiannis highlights the need for a sustainable short-term rental model, which will not disproportionately burden local communities nor degrade the quality of life of residents. Ensuring this balance, he stresses, is the great challenge for Greece in the coming days.
At the same time, he does not fail to mention the opportunities created for professionals in the sector, especially for those who operate through organised structures and collective bodies such as Stama.
The challenges
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the short-term rental industry in Greece today?
The biggest challenge facing the short-term rental sector in Greece today is balancing tourism development with the sustainability of local communities.
More specifically, the main dimensions of this challenge are over-tourism and neighbourhood degradation as well as fiscal instability.
Achieving a balance requires a transparent and stable institutional framework as well as social compensatory measures (e.g. tax incentives for short-term rentals for low-income earners, funding of related programmes).
Conclusion
The challenge for Greece is to ensure a sustainable short-term rental model that will support tourism development without displacing residents and without overburdening local infrastructure.
How do you see the role of collective bodies such as Stama evolving in supporting managers and shaping policy for the industry?
The role of collective bodies, such as Stama (Association of Short-Term Rental Companies), is becoming increasingly crucial in the development and institutionalisation of the short-term rental sector in Greece. These bodies play multiple roles, both in terms of supporting professionals and policy formulation. More specifically:
STAMA and other bodies:
– Act as a link between operators and the State.
– Represent collective interests in consultations, draft legislation, public debate.
– Push for fair and enforceable rules on issues such as licensing and oversight.
Collective bodies offer:
– Training and seminars (e.g. on marketing, quality of service).
– Legal and technical support to members.
– Networking, exchange of best practices, access to technology tools.
The operators contribute to:
– Highlighting the contribution of short-term rentals to the local economy, particularly in less touristy areas.
– Promoting coexistence with local communities through regulations and responsible management.
The role of such collective bodies will be further enhanced in the coming years, as:
– Regulatory pressures are increasing;
– Competition is intensifying;
– The need for professionalism, legitimacy and social acceptance is more urgent than ever.
What is the impact of new regulations and tax requirements on club members and how are they responding to them?
The impact of new regulations and tax requirements on members of associations like STAMA is multi-dimensional and constantly evolving. The changes affect both the business model of managers and create a need for collective organization and professional adaptation. More specifically:
– Increased bureaucracy and compliance costs
– Increased tax audits and cross-checks with platforms
– Obligation to issue electronic invoices and documents
– Accounting or legal support is often required, increasing operational costs
– Many decisions are left to the discretion of municipalities, resulting in legal uncertainty.
Stama works systematically to ensure that its members have the support they need. How?
1. By information and training through seminars, webinars, conferences -such as ShortStay Conference– and newsletters to clarify the changes and suggest ways to comply at the lowest possible cost.
2. With legal and institutional pressure, with a uniform implementation framework across the country, not fragmented municipal decisions.
3. With digital tools and expertise, which will include the use of management software, automation and compliance platforms.
The new regulations bring both challenges and opportunities. Managers organised through Stama have better information and support, adapt faster and more efficiently to the requirements of the state, and actively participate in shaping a sustainable and institutionalised model for the industry.
And the opportunities
What strategy should managers adopt ahead of this season to remain competitive, both locally and internationally?
In order to remain competitive ahead of this year’s tourist season (2025), short-term rental operators in Greece need to pursue a multi-level strategy that responds to changing legislative, technological and consumer conditions, both locally and internationally.
The key pillars of the strategy are, adaptation to the new regulatory and tax framework, pricing and diversification strategy, technology development, improving hospitality and guest experience and participation in collective bodies and networks.
In summary, to remain competitive in 2025, operators need to: legitimize and differentiate their product; adopt technological and operational standards of professionalism; and create value for the traveler, not just a cheap accommodation option.
How is the Thessaloniki market moving this year? What advice would you give to property managers operating there?
The short-term rental market in Thessaloniki in 2025 shows signs of slowing down, with a negative growth rate. This is mainly due to new tax and institutional requirements as well as the lack of available properties. In addition, competition is intensifying between apartments available for short term rentals and student residences due to costs. Finally, there is an increase in housing along the Thessaloniki metro axis.
For Short Term Rental Operators in Thessaloniki, their strategy should focus on quality and guest experience while diversifying booking channels and exploiting technology. Participation in collective bodies is also a strategic need.
The short-term rental sector in Thessaloniki is therefore entering a new phase of maturity. The regulations introduced by the State have imposed severe restrictions and increased operating costs, limiting the rate of growth and changing the sustainability criteria of accommodation. As everything indicates, the future of Airbnb now passes through the rationalization of the market and professional management, with Thessaloniki gradually adapting to the new data.
