The picturesque Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos, renowned for their stunning beauty, are taking a decisive step to combat the growing issue of overtourism. Starting soon, cruise ship passengers will be required to pay a €20 tourist tax upon disembarking during the peak summer months. This new levy aims to address the strain on local infrastructure caused by the influx of visitors.
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has acknowledged the challenges posed by overtourism in certain destinations, stating that while the country doesn’t face a systemic problem, specific islands experience significant pressure during peak seasons. He highlighted cruise shipping as a key contributor to the strain on Santorini and Mykonos, prompting the implementation of these measures.
These two islands, despite their small size and permanent populations of 15,000 and 10,000 respectively, witnessed the arrival of a staggering number of cruise ships in 2023. Santorini welcomed around 800 ships carrying 1.3 million passengers, while Mykonos received 750 cruise liners with a combined capacity to bring over 14,000 people ashore. These massive influxes of tourists have put immense strain on local services, overwhelmed the charming, narrow streets, and made it difficult for residents to navigate their daily lives.
In addition to the new tax, Greece is exploring further interventions to manage cruise ship arrivals. The government plans to implement measures that limit the number of ships allowed to dock at a particular destination simultaneously. The goal is to ensure the sustainability of these islands while preserving their unique character and quality of life for residents.
The implementation of a tourist tax is not a novel approach. Several other popular destinations around the world have adopted similar measures. Earlier this year, the Portuguese city of Porto announced plans to increase its tourist tax from €2 to €3 per person per night. Venice, Barcelona, and Lake Como have all introduced or increased existing tourist fees in recent months.
While the exact timing of the new Greek tax is yet to be finalized, experts advise cruise passengers to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of their bookings to determine whether the tax is included in the overall fare. If uncertain, passengers are encouraged to contact their cruise line for clarification.
This proactive approach taken by Greece underscores the growing global concern about overtourism and the need for sustainable tourism practices to protect the unique character of popular destinations. By implementing measures such as visitor taxes, limiting cruise ship arrivals, and investing in infrastructure, Greece hopes to strike a balance between tourism revenue and the well-being of its islands and residents.
