Greece has imposed a ban on outdoor work between 1pm and 5pm as temperatures climb above 40°C, the Greek Ministry of Labour announced. The measure, effective immediately, applies to all sectors including construction, agriculture, and tourism-related services such as outdoor maintenance and guided tours.
The decision comes as a prolonged heatwave grips the eastern Mediterranean, with mercury levels in Athens and other major cities surpassing 40°C. The ministry stated that employers must adjust working hours to comply, and that violations could result in fines and temporary shutdowns.
Tour operators and DMCs active in Greece have been advised to reschedule any outdoor excursions or site visits scheduled during the restricted window. The ban is expected to remain in force until temperatures drop below the threshold, though no end date has been specified.
This is not the first time Greece has enacted such a measure; similar restrictions were applied during the summer of 2024. However, the current heatwave is among the most intense in recent years, with meteorologists warning that temperatures could remain elevated for at least another week.
The hospitality sector, which relies heavily on daytime activities, is bracing for disruption. Hotels with outdoor pools, beach clubs, and archaeological site tours are likely to be affected. Some properties have already introduced early-morning and late-afternoon schedules for guests.
Why it matters
For the travel trade, the ban introduces operational constraints during peak summer season. Tour operators must rejig itineraries to avoid the midday heat, potentially reducing the number of daily excursions. DMCs may face increased costs from overtime pay for early or late shifts. The measure also underscores a broader trend: extreme heat is becoming a recurring operational risk for Mediterranean destinations, forcing the industry to build heat-resilient scheduling into standard practice.
Greece's move may prompt other southern European countries to consider similar regulations. For now, the immediate impact is on ground logistics, guest satisfaction, and labour compliance — factors that bedbanks and tour operators must factor into their contracts and pricing.
