Greece has announced plans to implement a 20 euro tax on cruise ship visitors to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season of 2024. This measure is part of a broader strategy to address over-tourism concerns in specific destinations while maintaining the country's crucial tourism industry.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek Prime Minister, emphasized that excessive tourism is not a widespread issue in Greece but rather a localized problem affecting certain areas during specific periods. He stated, "Greece does not have a structural over-tourism problem ... Some of its destinations have a significant issue during certain weeks or months of the year, which we need to deal with."
The introduction of this levy comes as Greece continues to rely heavily on tourism as a primary economic driver. In 2023, the country's tourism revenues reached approximately 20 billion euros, with nearly 31 million visitors. This significant influx of tourists has raised concerns about the sustainability of popular destinations, particularly on smaller islands with limited resources.
Santorini, known for its stunning views and unique volcanic landscape, has been particularly affected by mass tourism. With a permanent population of around 15,500 residents, the island has struggled to cope with the influx of visitors, especially during peak seasons. Local communities have expressed discontent and called for measures to curb tourism, echoing similar sentiments in other European destinations like Venice and Barcelona.
To address these concerns, the Greek government plans to implement additional measures beyond the cruise ship tax. These include:
- Regulating the number of cruise ships arriving simultaneously at certain destinations
- Imposing rules to protect the environment and tackle water shortages on islands
- Increasing taxes on short-term rentals
- Banning new licenses for short-term rentals in central Athens to increase housing stock for permanent residents
Mitsotakis assured that a portion of the revenues generated from the cruise shipping tax would be returned to local communities for infrastructure investments. This approach aims to strike a balance between maintaining tourism's economic benefits and preserving the quality of life for residents.
Greece's tourism industry, which accounts for about 20% of the country's GDP and employs approximately 20% of its workforce, has been instrumental in the nation's economic recovery following a decade-long crisis that ended in 2018. The challenge now lies in sustainably managing this vital sector to prevent the degradation of popular destinations while continuing to attract visitors to its 6,000 islands and islets, of which only 227 are inhabited.
As Greece moves forward with these measures, it joins other European destinations in addressing the complexities of mass tourism. The success of these initiatives will be crucial in preserving the unique character and natural beauty of islands like Santorini and Mykonos, ensuring they remain attractive to visitors while maintaining a high quality of life for local residents.