New Tourist Tax in Santorini

Cruise passengers visiting Santorini will soon be required to pay a disembarkation fee of 10 euros, approximately £8, as part of new regulations introduced by local officials. This fee is aimed at managing the increasing number of visitors arriving in popular Greek destinations, particularly in light of the overwhelming tourist influx that has been reported. Last month, local councillor Panos Kavalaris highlighted the challenges posed by cruise tourism, noting that an estimated 17,000 visitors were expected on a single day, which could strain the island's resources. The Greek government is implementing this fee as a strategy to mitigate the impact of cruise ships on the islands, which have been struggling to accommodate the growing number of tourists. Stefanos Gikas, the Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, emphasized the importance of balancing traditional tourism with cruise arrivals, indicating that the fee is part of a broader effort to sustain the local environment and infrastructure. The cruise industry has seen significant growth in Greece, with last year marking a record of seven million passengers arriving on 5,230 cruise ships, a notable increase from 4.38 million passengers and 4,614 ships in 2022. This surge in cruise tourism underscores the need for effective management strategies to ensure that the islands can continue to welcome visitors without compromising their natural beauty and local communities.