Greece has introduced new regulations aimed at managing the surge in cruise tourism at its islands.
Travel News reported that Greece was planning to limit the number of cruise ships.
Now, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has revealed that the new measures include a proportional cruise passenger levy and will place limits on the number of cruise ships allowed to dock at its popular destinations simultaneously.
Mitsotakis announced these steps during his speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair on September 8, according to local publication Greek Travel Pages.
The proportional cruise passenger levy is focused on alleviating the strain on islands like Mykonos and Santorini due to overtourism.
According to the Prime Minister, a levy of €20 (R396) per passenger will be imposed during the high season on the two islands, with lower levies applied at other ports based on their respective tourism demand.
The move aims to reduce overcrowding during peak months when infrastructure is pushed to its limits. Mitsotakis emphasised that the levy would vary depending on the popularity and seasonality of the destination.
“This is a necessary step to help communities manage the increasing number of visitors while ensuring that the infrastructure can support them. A portion of the revenues generated will be reinvested into local projects to help offset the pressure that tourism places on these small island communities,” said Mitsotakis.
The limit on the number of cruise ships allowed to dock simultaneously aims to ensure that tourists paying premium prices for extended stays are not overwhelmed by large numbers of day visitors. This is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of the tourism experience.
He stressed that, while cruise tourism generated significant revenue, it also created challenges for certain destinations.
“Our goal is not just to increase arrivals, but to enhance revenue. Fewer tourists spending more would be better for the sustainability of these destinations.”
Mitsotakis highlighted that the actions meant that Greece was taking decisive action to manage the pressures of crowded tourism while maintaining the country’s appeal as a top global destination.
“It is important to maintain the charm and experience that make these destinations special, while also ensuring that local communities are supported and infrastructure is strengthened.”