Amidst the controversial government proposal to increase VAT on tourism which proves a curb on pre-bookings for 2016, the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) proposed the inclusion of a safeguard-clause in contracts between foreign tour operators and local accommodation entrepreneurs to cover potential VAT changes, thus ensuring that pending deals for 2016 will move ahead. Speaking on the 23rd SETE general meeting, SETE president Andreas Andreadis noted that the long negotiation period between Greece and its creditors already poses its negative effect upon incoming tourism, however there is still time to reverse the trend, reports GTP. The clause would provide for the adjustment of prices, depending on the given VAT rates, allowing international tour operators and Greek hoteliers to settle on their 2016 deals, which are being delayed due to Greece’s ineffective debt negotiations. Mr. Andreadis further announced plans to establish a body between tourism links in Southern Europe which will represent the region on an EU level and SETE has already invited relevant tourism authorities in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Cyprus, while this new body is expected to be officially announced at the SETE conference in October.