As of July 21, a new charge has impacted tourists cruising to the Greek islands, aimed at promoting sustainable tourism. This fee, formally known as the “sustainable tourism fee,” was introduced by the Greek government and targets cruise ship passengers disembarking at these scenic locales. The fee is notably higher for popular destinations like Mykonos and Santorini, where authorities are responding to the challenges posed by overtourism and the pressing need to support the local infrastructure, which has been struggling with the influx of visitors.
The numbers reflect the substantial tourist traffic these islands attract, with 768 cruise ships bringing approximately 1.29 million visitors to Mykonos alone last year. This surge in tourists necessitates additional measures to manage the strain on local resources and services. The fee structure is tiered by both season and island, varying significantly between the most frequented spots and less popular locales, thereby implementing a system designed to spread out the economic impact and benefits of tourism.
During the peak season from June 1 to September 30, cruise passengers disembarking at Mykonos and Santorini are required to pay a fee of €20, while disembarking at other islands incurs a charge of €5. This pricing strategy shifts to accommodate shoulder seasons, with fees reduced to €12 for Mykonos and Santorini and €3 for other islands from October and during the spring months until May. In the off-season from November to March, the fee drops further to €4 for the popular islands and €1 for others, indicating a clear intent to incentivize travel outside of peak months while still generating revenue to address the impacts of tourism.
Payment of this fee is the responsibility of the cruise companies and their agents, who must declare the accrued charges via a designated digital platform. Payment is expected to be made quarterly for the total fees from passenger disembarkations. This mechanism not only places the onus on cruise operators but also ensures a systematic way to manage and account for tourism directly impacting these islands.
Failure to pay the cruise fee could have significant consequences. If cruise companies neglect this requirement, port authorities are empowered to prevent ships from making further calls to the Greek islands, effectively barring disembarkation for tourists. This provision serves to underline the seriousness of the fee’s enforcement and the government’s commitment to safeguarding local resources and ensuring that tourism growth does not compromise the quality of life for residents or the integrity of the environment.
Overall, this new sustainable tourism fee represents a strategic effort by the Greek government to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the necessity of preserving the cultural and environmental integrity of its islands. By imposing differentiated fees based on the season and the specific island, the policy seeks to manage visitor numbers more effectively while generating funds for local infrastructure improvements. As tourists continue to flock to these beautiful destinations, such measures are becoming increasingly vital to ensuring a sustainable and enjoyable travel experience for all parties involved.
