Greece’s health ministry is actively engaging with law enforcement to tackle a deceptive campaign designed to frighten tourists away from short-term rental flats in Athens. In a concerning development, hoaxers have been disseminating false information about a bedbug infestation, primarily targeting foreign visitors.
On December 5, the health ministry released a statement addressing this issue. It was discovered that posters had been illicitly placed outside residential buildings in central Athens. These posters, adorned with counterfeit logos of both the ministry and Athens municipality, were declared to be completely baseless. Addressed to “dear visitors” in poorly written English, the posters falsely claimed that health authorities had ordered an evacuation of local “private guest houses” to safeguard the health of Greek residents. The false alarm, citing a nonexistent bedbug crisis, also warned visitors of a €500 fine (equivalent to US$540) for not vacating their accommodations, ironically ending with a wish for a pleasant stay in Greece.
This hoax comes at a time when Athens, along with other parts of Greece, is grappling with significant housing challenges. The rise in short-term rental flats, predominantly catering to foreign visitors, has contributed to this situation. As a result, long-term rental costs for local Greeks have surged, pushing many out of their homes in central Athens. Additionally, property values are on an upward trajectory, partly influenced by a “golden visa” scheme that grants residency to foreign real estate investors.
Tourism is a vital component of Greece’s economy, contributing to about a fifth of its annual output. The year 2023 was anticipated to set a record for tourist arrivals, highlighting the sector’s importance. In response to the hoax, the health ministry has taken decisive action, informing the police to address the misinformation and protect the public. The ministry emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that misleading the public on health matters is unacceptable.
It’s noteworthy that Greece has not experienced significant issues with bedbugs, a problem that has recently garnered attention in countries like France and South Korea. The proactive stance of the Greek health ministry in this situation underscores their commitment to maintaining the country’s reputation as a welcoming destination for tourists and safeguarding the integrity of public health communications.
READ MORE: