Greece, a nation heavily reliant on tourism, is taking steps to curb overtourism in some of its most popular destinations.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Sunday that a 20-euro levy will be imposed on cruise ship visitors to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season.
This measure, aimed at addressing the strain on infrastructure and local communities, follows concerns about the negative impact of mass tourism on these idyllic islands.
Santorini, famed for its picturesque villages and pristine beaches, is home to just 20,000 permanent residents but faces increasing pressure from the influx of tourists.
While acknowledging that overtourism is not a widespread problem in Greece, Mitsotakis stressed the need for targeted intervention in specific locations during peak periods.
“Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos and this is why we are proceeding with interventions,” he stated.
The 20-euro levy, collected from cruise ship passengers, will be reinvested in local communities to improve infrastructure and mitigate the impact of tourism.
The Greek government also plans to regulate the number of cruise ships arriving simultaneously at certain destinations, ensuring a more sustainable flow of visitors.
Further measures include stricter environmental protection policies, addressing water shortages, and increasing the tax on short-term rentals in central Athens to improve the housing situation for permanent residents.
The government is expected to provide detailed information on these measures on Monday.
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