Santorini Island in Greece. Travel Pulse
Greece is taking steps to manage the challenges of over-tourism with a new visitor tax set to impact tourists arriving by cruise ships in Santorini and Mykonos. Announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the €20 ($22) tax will be implemented during the busy summer months to ease the pressures of high tourist numbers on these beloved islands.
During a recent press conference, Mitsotakis addressed the pressing issue of mass tourism. He noted that while Greece does not face a widespread over-tourism problem, certain destinations experience significant strain during peak periods. “Greece does not have a structural overtourism problem… Some of its destinations have a significant issue during certain weeks or months of the year, which we need to deal with,” he explained.
Santorini and Mykonos, renowned for their stunning landscapes and vibrant tourist attractions, have been overwhelmed by the influx of visitors, particularly from cruise ships. The prime minister acknowledged this strain, stating, “Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos, and this is why we are proceeding with interventions.”
Tourism is crucial to Greece’s economy, which is recovering from a severe financial crisis that has impacted the country for over a decade. In 2023, the nation welcomed 31 million tourists, generating about €20 billion ($22 billion). However, the high volume of visitors has put immense pressure on popular spots like Santorini. Known for its picturesque sunsets, pristine beaches, and charming whitewashed buildings, Santorini’s permanent population of about 20,000 is often dwarfed by the tourist crowds, leading to concerns about potential damage to the island’s environment and infrastructure.
The Greek government’s move is in line with similar efforts seen in other major European tourist destinations, such as Venice and Barcelona, where local communities have advocated for measures to mitigate the impact of tourism. The new tax aims not only to manage the flow of visitors but also to generate funds that will be used to enhance local infrastructure. This will help the islands better handle the demands placed on them by mass tourism.
In addition to the visitor tax, Greece plans to regulate the number of cruise ships that can dock at any one time in key locations. This measure is intended to reduce overcrowding and environmental strain. Mitsotakis also highlighted the need for environmental improvements and solutions to address water shortages on the islands.
Further addressing the issue of housing, the prime minister announced plans to propose a tax on short-term rental properties and to halt the issuance of new licenses for these rentals in central Athens. This initiative aims to alleviate the housing shortage faced by permanent residents in the capital.
