Greece to Impose Levy on Cruise Passengers Visiting Santorini and Mykonos
Greece will implement a 20-euro fee on cruise ship visitors to Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced. The fee aims to protect these popular destinations, and part of the revenue will be invested in local infrastructure. Regulations on cruise ship arrivals and short-term rental taxes will also be introduced.
To combat overtourism, Greece will implement a 20-euro fee on cruise ship visitors to Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced.
The fee aims to protect these popular destinations, especially Santorini, which is known for its picturesque villages and beaches.
Tourism is crucial for Greece's economy, generating approximately 20 billion euros in revenue from 31 million tourist arrivals in 2023.
Protests in Santorini and other areas highlight the strain on local infrastructure.
Part of the levy's revenue will be invested back into local communities.
The government will also regulate the number of cruise ships arriving simultaneously and increase taxes on short-term rentals in central Athens to free up housing for permanent residents.