Greece Imposes €20 Tax on Cruise Ship Tourists

Greece plans to introduce a €20 fee for cruise ship passengers visiting the islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season, as part of efforts to combat overtourism that has significantly impacted local infrastructure and the environment. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted that this levy aims to alleviate the pressures of mass tourism, which saw Santorini receive 1.3 million cruise passengers in 2023 alone. The government will also regulate the number of cruise ships allowed to dock at these islands to prevent overcrowding, with a limit of 8,000 cruise passengers per day set for Santorini starting next year. Additional measures include raising taxes on short-term rentals and implementing regulations to address water shortages and promote sustainable practices. Revenue generated from the cruise tax will be reinvested into local communities to improve infrastructure. Mitsotakis emphasized that while Greece's tourism sector is vital to the economy, certain destinations face specific challenges during peak periods that require careful management.