Greece to Impose Cruise Visitor Fee on Santorini and Mykonos

In a significant move to address overtourism, the Greek government has announced plans to implement a 20-euro fee for cruise ship visitors to Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season. This decision, revealed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on September 8, 2024, aims to mitigate the impact of mass tourism on these popular island destinations.

Greece, with its rich history and over 6,000 islands and islets, heavily relies on tourism as a key economic driver. The sector accounts for approximately 20% of the country's GDP and employment. However, the influx of visitors, particularly to iconic locations like Santorini, has raised concerns about sustainability and quality of life for local residents.

Mitsotakis emphasized that overtourism is not a widespread issue in Greece but rather a localized problem affecting specific destinations during certain periods. He stated, "Greece does not have a structural overtourism problem... Some of its destinations have a significant issue during certain weeks or months of the year, which we need to deal with."

The cruise ship levy is part of a broader strategy to manage tourism more effectively. The government plans to:

• Regulate the number of cruise ships arriving simultaneously at popular ports
• Implement measures to protect the environment and address water scarcity on islands
• Increase taxes on short-term rentals
• Ban new short-term rental licenses in central Athens to improve housing availability for permanent residents

These initiatives come as Greece continues to recover from a decade-long economic crisis that ended in 2018, which significantly impacted the country's output. Despite these challenges, Greek tourism has shown resilience, with revenues reaching approximately 20 billion euros in 2023, attracting nearly 31 million visitors.

The decision to impose a cruise visitor fee aligns with similar measures taken in other popular European destinations like Venice, Italy. Part of the revenue generated from this levy will be reinvested in local communities to enhance infrastructure and services.

"Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos and this is why we are proceeding with interventions."

While these measures aim to address immediate concerns, they also reflect a growing awareness of the need for sustainable tourism practices. Santorini, with its iconic blue-domed churches and breathtaking views, and Mykonos, known for its vibrant nightlife, have long been jewels in Greece's tourism crown. However, their popularity has come at a cost, with both islands facing challenges related to infrastructure, water scarcity, and environmental preservation.

As Greece moves forward with these plans, the government will need to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to protect its natural and cultural heritage. The success of these measures could serve as a model for other destinations grappling with similar challenges in the future.