Greece’s well being ministry has requested police to assist deal with bedbug hoaxers attempting to scare international vacationers out of some Athens short-term rental flats.
On Tuesday, the ministry issued a press release that mentioned “absolutely false” posters had been put up outdoors condo buildings within the metropolis centre, full with faux ministry and Athens municipality logos.
The posters claimed well being authorities had ordered native “private guesthouses” to be evacuated “to protect the public health of permanent Greek tenants.”
Warnings had been addressed to guests and had been written in misspelled English.
Referring to a non-existent bedbug infestation, guests had been informed to depart their lodging and threatened with a 500 euro high-quality (£428) for failure to take action. This was adopted by a message wishing guests a nice keep in Greece.
The well being ministry has knowledgeable the police “to do what is necessary” to fight the hoax, saying “nobody is allowed to terrorise and misinform the public” on public well being points.
Greece has not reported any main bedbug infestations, regardless of latest outbreaks in France.
An improve in short-term flats primarily for international guests, coupled with the price of residing disaster, has worsened housing issues in Athens and different elements of Greece.
Many locals have turn out to be priced out of residential areas in central Athens, the place there was a surge in long-term rental prices for Greeks.
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Greece’s “golden visa” program, launched in July 2013, presents a five-year residency visa to foreigners in return for an funding in actual property – which has additionally contributed to spiralling property values.
Tourism performs a key half in driving Greece’s economic system and accounts for a fifth of annual output.
Next yr is anticipated to be a document yr for arrivals.
Source: information.sky.com”