Greece to Impose Levy on Cruise Ship Visitors to Santorini and Mykonos
Greece is set to introduce a €20 levy on cruise ship visitors to popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season, aiming to combat rising overtourism. This move, announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is part of a broader strategy to manage the influx of tourists that has burdened some of Greece’s most iconic destinations. As the country’s economy continues to rely heavily on tourism, contributing nearly €20 billion in revenue from around 31 million visitors in 2023, the challenge of balancing economic benefits with sustainable tourism has come into sharp focus.
Santorini, known for its stunning vistas and picturesque villages, has seen a surge in tourists that far exceeds its capacity to accommodate them, with its 20,000 permanent residents often overwhelmed during the busy season. Similar issues are faced in Mykonos, prompting the Greek government to take action. Mitsotakis emphasised that while overtourism is not a widespread problem across Greece, specific locations like Santorini and Mykonos need targeted measures to maintain their appeal without compromising the quality of life for locals.
The new levy is intended not only to regulate the flow of tourists but also to generate revenue that will be reinvested into local communities to improve infrastructure and address environmental concerns. This aligns with the broader trend seen in other European hotspots such as Venice and Barcelona, where similar measures are being implemented to curb the negative impacts of mass tourism. Additionally, Greece plans to regulate the number of cruise ships allowed to dock at these islands simultaneously, further controlling the influx of visitors at any given time.
In his statements, Mitsotakis also highlighted plans to introduce stricter rules for short-term rentals in central Athens and other high-demand areas, aiming to make more housing available for local residents. This includes increasing taxes on short-term rentals and halting new licences, reflecting the government’s commitment to prioritise local needs alongside tourism growth.
As Greece moves forward with these measures, the government hopes to strike a balance between preserving the country’s natural beauty and historic charm while sustaining its vital tourism industry. The details of these regulations are expected to be elaborated in the coming days, setting the stage for a more sustainable approach to managing one of the world’s most beloved tourist destinations.
For more information on the Greece cruise ship visitor levy and other tourism regulations, visit the Greek Ministry of Tourism’s official guidelines.
