Greece has officially announced the implementation of a new tourist tax that will impact holidaymakers visiting certain popular destinations in the country. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed the introduction of a 20 euros, approximately £17, levy for tourists visiting the islands of Santorini and Mykonos by cruise ship. The decision to impose this tax is part of Greece’s efforts to mitigate the negative effects of tourism on its regions. Mitsotakis stated that Greece does not face a structural overtourism issue but certain locations experience significant challenges during specific times of the year, which need to be addressed.
In 2023, Greece welcomed 31 million tourists, generating a revenue of 20 billion euros. The tourist tax is set to take effect in 2025 and is aimed at regulating the influx of visitors to high-demand areas such as Santorini and Mykonos. This move follows protests against overtourism on Santorini and is in line with similar actions taken in countries like Spain and Italy. The funds raised through this tax will be utilized to support local communities affected by tourism.
Additionally, Greece is planning other measures to lessen the impact of tourism, including limiting the number of cruise ships visiting certain destinations, imposing restrictions on new holiday rentals, and introducing taxes on holiday accommodations like flats, homes, and villas. These initiatives are designed to strike a balance between catering to tourists and preserving the sustainability of local environments and communities.