Starting soon, visitors staying in the UNESCO-listed Zagori region of Epirus, northern Greece, will be charged a €0.75 culture fee per stay to support the preservation of its cultural and natural heritage. The fee, established through a joint ministerial decision by Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios and Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, applies to all tourist accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, Airbnb-style rentals, and private villas.
The culture fee will be added to accommodation bills and collected at checkout, with funds allocated to the Municipality of Zagori to protect and promote its UNESCO World Heritage status, earned in 2023 for its “outstanding ecumenical value” and the “authenticity and integrity” of its cultural and natural landscape.
Accommodation providers must submit a “Declaration of Payment of the Special Cultural Fee” to the Zagori Municipal treasury by the last working day of the month following each quarter. Late or non-payment will incur a 2% monthly surcharge, up to 100% of the unpaid amount. The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) will provide digital tools to monitor compliance.
This fee is in addition to existing climate resilience and non-resident levies. Meanwhile, other Greek islands, such as Symi, Ithaki, and Paxi, are exploring similar fees for day visitors to address overtourism.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greece 2025
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