In a bold move to combat overtourism, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a new 20-euro levy for cruise ship visitors to the iconic islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer months.
“Greece does not have a structural overtourism problem…Some of its destinations have a significant issue during certain weeks or months of the wear, which we need to deal with”
In a bold move to combat overtourism, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a new 20-euro levy for cruise ship visitors to the iconic islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer months. This initiative, revealed during a press conference following his 2025 economic policy outline, aims to address the pressure of mass tourism on these cherished locales.
Tourism is a cornerstone of Greece’s economy, which is still rebounding from a decade-long financial crisis that severely impacted national output. However, some of the country’s most sought-after destinations, particularly Santorini with its picturesque villages and pristine beaches, are at risk of being overwhelmed by tourist influx. With a permanent population of just 20,000, Santorini is among the most affected by the surge in cruise ship arrivals.
Mitsotakis emphasized that while Greece does not face a nationwide overtourism crisis, specific destinations encounter significant challenges 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 wear, which we need to deal with”, he stated. The newly introduced levy is part of a broader strategy to manage tourism sustainably.
The government’s approach includes not only the leavy but also a cap on the number of cruise ships allowed to dock simultaneously at these popular islands. This is expected to mitigate the adverse effects of overcrowding while maintaining the allure and quality of the visitor experience.
Revenue generated from the cruise shipping tax will be reinvested into local communities to enhance infrastructure and support environmental protection initiatives. Additionally, the Greek administration plans to introduce stricter regulations on short-term rentals in central Athens to address housing shortages for residents.
In 2023, Greece’s tourism sector generated approximately 20 billion euros from nearly 31 million tourists. The new measures signal a proactive step toward preserving the charm and sustainability of Greece’s most treasured destinations while balancing economic interests with environmental and community well-being.
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