Athens, Greece – Greece has implemented a new tax on cruise ship passengers visiting popular destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos. The per-person fee, set at €20 for these islands and €5 for other destinations, is aimed at addressing the growing challenges of overtourism and climate change.
The revenue generated from these fees will be allocated to infrastructure improvements and sustainability initiatives in the affected regions. Greece anticipates collecting approximately €400 million annually from these new taxes and a separate tax on short-term rentals and hotels.
The move comes as Greece experiences a surge in cruise tourism, with Santorini and Mykonos becoming increasingly popular destinations. However, the influx of visitors has put a strain on local resources and infrastructure. By implementing these fees, the Greek government aims to manage tourism more sustainably and ensure a positive impact on local communities.
This trend of imposing cruise taxes is not unique to Greece. Other destinations, such as Mexico and Alaska, have also introduced similar measures to mitigate the environmental and social impacts of cruise tourism.