Greece continues to attract millions of tourists each year. The iconic islands of Santorini and Mykonos are feeling the pressure of overtourism. To tackle this, Greece is introducing a new €20 ($22) visitor tax for cruise ship passengers. This tax applies to those visiting these popular destinations during the summer peak season. This initiative is part of a broader effort. It aims to protect the islands’ infrastructure, environment, and local communities from the strains of mass tourism.

Why Greece Is Taking Action

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the tax. It aims to tackle the heavy burden that cruise tourism places on Santorini and Mykonos. While Greece doesn’t face an overarching overtourism problem, some of its top destinations struggle during peak vacation months. “Some destinations have significant issues during certain weeks or months of the year. We need to deal with these issues,” Mitsotakis explained during a press conference.

Cruise ships bring in large groups of tourists at once. They often overwhelm small island communities like Santorini, known for its breathtaking sunsets and picturesque whitewashed buildings. Mykonos is famous for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. Santorini has only around 20,000 permanent residents. Its population swells during the peak season. This leads to overcrowded streets, overburdened infrastructure, and environmental risks.

Economic and Environmental Impact

Tourism is a vital part of Greece’s economy. It generated approximately €20 billion ($22 billion) from 31 million visitors in 2023 alone. But the negative effects of overtourism are prompting the government to take decisive action. The new tax will help control the flow of cruise passengers. It will also funnel much-needed funds back into local infrastructure improvements.

A part of the tax revenue will be directed to enhancing facilities on Santorini and Mykonos. This will help these islands better cope with high visitor numbers. This includes upgrading transport networks, waste management, and water resources. Both islands have faced challenges with water shortages during peak months.

Limiting Cruise Traffic and Protecting the Environment

Additionally to the visitor tax, the Greek government has another plan. It aims to limit the number of cruise ships allowed to dock at these islands at the same time. This is intended to ease congestion and reduce the strain on local resources. Environmental protection measures are also part of the strategy. The government is addressing the impact of tourism on the islands’ delicate ecosystems.

Addressing Housing Issues and Expanding Reforms

The issue of overtourism extends beyond the islands. The surge in short-term vacation rentals, particularly in Athens, has exacerbated housing shortages for local residents. Mitsotakis has also proposed a tax on short-term rental properties. He intends to halt new licenses for these properties in central Athens. The goal is to make housing more affordable for permanent residents.

What This Means for Future Tourists

For travelers planning to visit Santorini or Mykonos via cruise ship, the new €20 visitor tax will be a small price to pay. Travelers visiting via cruise ship will need to pay a new €20 visitor tax. This tax helps preserve the beauty and charm of these iconic Greek destinations. Greece is focusing on sustainability. It is also promoting balanced tourism. Greece is striving to create a future where both locals and visitors can enjoy these beloved islands without causing long-term harm.

By introducing these measures, Greece joins other European destinations. These include places like Venice and Barcelona. They are taking steps to manage overtourism and protect cultural landmarks. The new tax might change how visitors plan their trips. It ensures that Santorini and Mykonos will remain pristine for generations to come.

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