Greece to increase tourist fee

Greece is imposing a new 20 euro fee for UK cruise passengers visiting the islands of Mykonos and Santorini, announced Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This measure aims to address the pressing issue of overtourism, particularly on these popular islands, which saw 1.3 million cruise passengers last year. Mitsotakis emphasized the need for sustainability and mentioned plans to limit the number of cruise ships allowed at any one time. In addition to the new fee for cruise arrivals, there will be an increase in lodging tax during peak tourist months. The government is also considering stricter regulations on short-term rentals amid rising concerns about housing availability. As Greece continues to set tourism records, officials are prioritizing both visitor experience and local residents' quality of life.