The Greek government recently announced the introduction of a new tax aimed specifically at cruise passengers calling at the popular islands of Santorini And Mykonos. Part of a broader strategy to manage mass tourism, this measure involves a €20 per person charge for cruise ship passengers wishing to disembark at these two iconic Cycladic destinations.
Justification for this measure
This decision comes against a backdrop of growing concern about the phenomenon of overtourism, which particularly affects these islands. Santorini, famous for its spectacular sunsets and Cycladic architecture, and Mykonos, renowned for its beaches and nightlife, attract huge numbers of visitors every year, putting a strain on local infrastructures and the environment.
The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakisexplained this measure at a press conference held on the occasion of an international trade fair. He pointed out that although Greece does not suffer from a structural problem of overtourism on a national scale, some destinations are experiencing "problematic peak periods"at certain times of the year.
Details and implementation
Pricing and application
The €20 tax will be applied to every cruise ship passenger wishing to go ashore on the islands of Santorini and Mykonos. This measure aims to regulate the flow of visitors and generate additional revenue for local communities, which can be reinvested in infrastructure improvements and environmental preservation.
For an island like Santorini, it's impossible to see 5 cruise ships docking at the same time.
Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism
Application timetable
Although the precise date on which this new tax will come into force has not yet been communicated, it is expected to be implemented in the near future. The Greek government is currently working on the logistical details of its application, in collaboration with port authorities and cruise lines. The aim was to copy the model set up by Venice.
Impact on the tourism industry
Statistics and forecasts
To better understand the scale of the phenomenon and the potential impact of this new tax, it's useful to look at some key figures on visits to Santorini:
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of cruise ships calling Santorini in 2023 | 800 |
| Number of cruise passengers in Santorini in 2023 | 1.3 million |
| Santorini's permanent population | 15,500 inhabitants |
| Total number of tourists to Santorini in 2023 | 3.4 million |
| Cruise revenues in Greece in 2023 | 847.4 million euros |
These figures clearly illustrate the pressure exerted by cruise tourism on these small islands, justifying the introduction of regulatory measures.
Industry reactions
The announcement of this new tax has prompted mixed reactions from the tourism industry. While some players understand the need to manage tourist flows sustainably, others fear that the measure will deter some visitors and adversely affect the local economy, which is heavily dependent on tourism.
Complementary measures
Limiting the number of ships
In parallel with the introduction of this tax, the Greek government is also planning to limit the number of cruise ships that can dock simultaneously on Santorini and Mykonos. This measure aims to reduce congestion in ports and tourist sites, improving the visitor experience and preserving residents' quality of life.
Increase in tourist tax
The Greek government has also announced a increase in tourist tax for the period April to October, which will include a component linked to the climate crisis. This measure will apply to all types of tourist accommodation, and is designed to generate additional revenue to finance sustainable development initiatives and local infrastructure improvements.
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