The Greek government is planning to introduce a 20-euro fee for cruise ship passengers visiting the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer months to avoid overtourism on these destinations. This move aligns with similar calls for action in other European hotspots like Venice and Barcelona.
Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis, during a press conference following the announcement of his main economic policies for 2025, clarified that excessive tourism is a concern limited to a few specific locations.
“Greece does not have a structural overtourism problem… Some of its destinations have a significant issue during certain weeks or months of the year, which we need to deal with,” Mitsotakis said. The Prime Minister further explained that cruise shipping has particularly impacted Santorini and Mykonos, prompting the government to take action by implementing the new levy.
Despite the country’s reliance on tourism, some of its most sought-after destinations, such as Santorini, face the risk of being overwhelmed by mass tourism. Santorini, known for its picturesque villages and stunning beaches, has a permanent population of only 20,000 residents.
In 2023, Greek tourism revenues reached approximately 20 billion euros, supported by nearly 31 million tourist arrivals. The introduction of the 20-euro fee for cruise ship visitors to Santorini and Mykonos during peak season is expected to help manage the flow of tourists and mitigate the negative consequences of overtourism on these islands.
Mitsotakis stated that a portion of the revenue generated from the cruise shipping tax would be allocated to local communities for infrastructure development. Additionally, the government intends to implement regulations to control the number of cruise ships arriving simultaneously at specific locations and enforce environmental protection and water conservation measures on the islands.
In an effort to increase the availability of housing for permanent residents in central Athens, Greece also aims to raise taxes on short-term rentals and prohibit the issuance of new licenses for such accommodations. The government is expected to provide more information about these measures on Monday.
Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis, during a press conference following the announcement of his main economic policies for 2025, clarified that excessive tourism is a concern limited to a few specific locations.
“Greece does not have a structural overtourism problem… Some of its destinations have a significant issue during certain weeks or months of the year, which we need to deal with,” Mitsotakis said. The Prime Minister further explained that cruise shipping has particularly impacted Santorini and Mykonos, prompting the government to take action by implementing the new levy.
Despite the country’s reliance on tourism, some of its most sought-after destinations, such as Santorini, face the risk of being overwhelmed by mass tourism. Santorini, known for its picturesque villages and stunning beaches, has a permanent population of only 20,000 residents.
In 2023, Greek tourism revenues reached approximately 20 billion euros, supported by nearly 31 million tourist arrivals. The introduction of the 20-euro fee for cruise ship visitors to Santorini and Mykonos during peak season is expected to help manage the flow of tourists and mitigate the negative consequences of overtourism on these islands.
Mitsotakis stated that a portion of the revenue generated from the cruise shipping tax would be allocated to local communities for infrastructure development. Additionally, the government intends to implement regulations to control the number of cruise ships arriving simultaneously at specific locations and enforce environmental protection and water conservation measures on the islands.
In an effort to increase the availability of housing for permanent residents in central Athens, Greece also aims to raise taxes on short-term rentals and prohibit the issuance of new licenses for such accommodations. The government is expected to provide more information about these measures on Monday.