Kelemenis & Co. has a long and specialized presence in the tourism and hospitality sector, providing legal support to businesses and investors throughout the life cycle of tourism investments. The firm supports hotel chains, investment funds, property managers, Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and travel organizations in complex transactions related to the development, financing, exploitation and transfer of tourism businesses and units. In this context, Kelemenis & Co. combines knowledge of the corporate, financial, tax and regulatory framework, providing practical and sustainable solutions tailored to the specificities of the industry.

The firm’s expertise includes:

Tour Operators, DMCs & Travel Services

• Advising tour operators and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) on Greek and EU regulatory frameworks
• Drafting and negotiating commercial agreements across the tourism value chain
• Structuring travel packages and linked travel arrangements in line with EU and Greek law
• Ensuring compliance with consumer protection and organiser liability regimes
• Advising on B2B and B2C distribution, partnerships and digital platforms

Management and Operating Structures

• Structuring and negotiating hotel management and operator agreements
• Advising on branded residences and mixed hospitality concepts
• Drafting and reviewing franchise, licensing and branding arrangements

Leases and Exploitation of Tourist Properties

• Structuring lease, leaseback and operational models for hospitality assets
• Advising on long-term exploitation agreements and mixed-use developments
• Supporting complex tourism real estate structures and asset optimisation

Investments & Corporate Transactions

• Advising on acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures in the Greek hospitality sector
• Legal due diligence of hotel and tourism assets
• Structuring investments and corporate arrangements for inbound and domestic investors

Greenfield and Brownfield Projects

• Advising on greenfield tourism developments, including strategic investments
• Supporting brownfield acquisitions, repositioning and redevelopment projects
• Delivering comprehensive legal due diligence and risk assessment
• Structuring development, construction and financing frameworks

Project Development and Construction

• Advising on the development of tourism and hospitality assets in Greece
• Drafting and negotiating construction and project delivery agreements
• Navigating urban planning, zoning and permitting procedures

Financing and Investment Structures

• Structuring project finance and security packages for hospitality projects
• Drafting and negotiating financing documentation
• Advising on restructurings, refinancings and distressed situations

Investment Incentives

• Advising on Greek development laws and incentive schemes
• Structuring investments in compliance with state aid rules
• Supporting the implementation of subsidised investment plans

Health, Safety & Regulatory Compliance and Licensing

• Advising on the regulatory framework governing health, safety and hygiene in hospitality and tourism establishments
• Ensuring compliance with fire safety, civil protection and emergency response requirements
• Advising on food safety, sanitation and public health obligations
• Supporting internal compliance systems and audits
• Supporting licensing procedures and ongoing license compliance
• Advising on operator liability and administrative enforcement

Sector-specific Labour Framework

• Advising on employment and labour law matters in the hospitality sector

Tax

• Advising on tax structuring of tourism and hospitality investments
• VAT planning and compliance in the tourism sector
• Cross-border tax considerations for international investors

Disputes & Dispute Resolution

• Representing clients in disputes arising from management, lease and operating agreements, and allotment and commitment contracts
• Handling investment, construction and commercial disputes
• Acting in litigation and arbitration proceedings