Brits travelling to Greek islands via cruise ship face new £17 tourist tax

Ormos Athinios, Santorini, Greece, Athinios Port, Santorini Island for ferries and cargo ships. Pass
-Credit: (Image: (Image: Peter Titmuss/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images))


UK tourists planning to visit the popular Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos via cruise ship will soon be hit with a new tax, it has emerged.

The prime minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, revealed that the new measures are aimed at addressing overtourism on these islands. Tourism plays a significant role in the economy of Greece, but certain areas like Santorini are under threat.

In 2023, Greece raked in approximately €20 billion from tourism revenue following nearly 31 million arrivals. However, the new cruise ship tax, which will be set at €20 during the summer season (just under £17), is expected to impact this.

During a press conference, Mr Mitsotakis stated: "Greece does not have a structural over-tourism problem... Some of its destinations have a significant issue during certain weeks or months of the year, which we need to deal with," reports the Express.

Miray Cruise ship organizes tours to Aegean Islands - GREECE - MAY 5: People take a selfie on the M/V Gemini cruise ship as it organizes tours to the
-Credit:(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

As reported by the Telegraph, he further added: "Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos and this is why we are proceeding with interventions."

This comes in the wake of widespread protests against overtourism across Europe, especially in Spain, where locals in popular tourist hotspots such as Barcelona, Tenerife, Majorca and the Balearic Islands took to the streets.

Residents have expressed frustration that overtourism has made it challenging for them to continue living locally, with protesters attributing rising housing and rental costs to overtourism.

This month, reports have emerged that protesters attribute the soaring prices to a rise in short-term holiday lets and apartments primarily used by tourists.

Santorini is also echoing these sentiments, with calls for curbing tourism. Prime Minister Mitsotakis has disclosed plans to direct funds from an increased tourist tax into community infrastructure investments.

Moreover, the Greek leader stated the government plans to tackle the number of ships crowding certain ports simultaneously and pledged to implement actions protecting the environment and addressing water scarcity issues.

The prime minister additionally outlined intentions for Greece to hike taxes on short-term rentals and halt new licence issuances in Athens, aiming to support the city's permanent residents.

In April, Venice's local authorities put a £4.29 (€5) tourist tax into effect. On day one, dissent was on full display as protestors brandishing signs marched through the streets, denouncing the policy.

Critics argue the levy turns Venice into more of a "theme park", as seen with a sign declaring "Veniceland". Other placards demanded "No to the ticket, yes to homes and services for everyone" and a stop to Venice being a speculative commodity.