Greece is taking steps to address the challenges of overtourism by introducing a new fee for cruise ship passengers disembarking at popular destinations. Starting in August 2024, cruise passengers arriving at Santorini will be charged a 10-euro fee (approximately £8) upon disembarkation. This measure aims to manage the overwhelming influx of tourists and the strain it places on local infrastructure.
Greece, renowned for its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and sunny climate, has long been a popular tourist destination. However, concerns about tourism reaching saturation levels, particularly in popular resorts, have been voiced by locals. Councillor Panos Kavalaris highlighted the strain on Santorini, stating that the island expects to receive 17,000 cruise ship visitors on a single day, which he described as a “difficult day” for the island.
Authorities hope that the disembarkation fee will help mitigate the impact of large cruise ship arrivals on Greece’s islands. While initially implemented only in Santorini, the policy is expected to be extended to Mykonos by the end of the year, according to reports from the Greek government. Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Stefanos Gikas, emphasized the government’s commitment to both traditional tourism and cruise ship arrivals, but highlighted the need for increased fees to better manage the influx of visitors.
The introduction of this fee comes amidst a record year for tourism in Greece. In 2023, the country welcomed approximately 33 million tourists, a significant increase from the 28 million visitors in 2022, making Greece the tenth most visited country in the world according to the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO). This year also marked a record for cruise tourism in Greece, with seven million passengers arriving on 5,230 cruise ships, compared to 4.38 million passengers and 4,614 cruise ships in 2022.
The new policy reflects a growing trend across the Mediterranean, where countries are increasingly implementing measures to control tourist numbers in response to the challenges posed by overtourism. The Greek Ombudsman issued a warning in June 2024, urging the country to adopt more sustainable tourism practices to prevent the exhaustion of its resources. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has acknowledged these concerns and indicated that Greece may consider imposing a cap on the number of cruise ships allowed to dock at popular tourist destinations as part of broader efforts to protect the country’s environment and heritage from the adverse effects of mass tourism.
