Greece Imposes €20 Cruise Passenger Tax on Mykonos and Santorini: Tourism or Economic Blow?
Greece has decided to tackle the mass tourism choking its most beautiful islands. Starting July 1st, cruise passengers arriving at Mykonos and Santorini will have to pay a new tax of €20 per person. Yes, you read that right – €20! Why? Because these two islands, known as the jewels of the Aegean, are overwhelmed with tourists, leading to overcrowding, water shortages, and environmental damage.
Why Mykonos and Santorini?
These two islands are among the most visited destinations in the Mediterranean. Every year, Mykonos alone expects a record 1.5 million tourists, with 1.2 million cruise passengers. Such numbers put enormous pressure on local infrastructure and the environment. Hence, Greece decided to introduce this tax as a measure to mitigate the effects of mass tourism.
How will this tax affect tourism?
The president of the Mykonos port fund, Atanasios Kusatanasmegas, warns that this tax will seriously threaten the island’s economic competitiveness. He claims port revenues could drop by as much as 50%, potentially losing around €2 million, money planned for development projects. Kusatanasmegas calls the tax senseless and says it punishes the island that already contributes significantly to the country’s economy.
How will the tax be collected?
The tax is expected to be included in the total cruise tour price, with cruise companies responsible for collecting and remitting the funds to the Greek government. The €20 tax will apply only during the peak season, from June 1st to September 30th, when the islands are most crowded.
Is this the end of mass tourism?
Greece aims to reduce pressure on its most popular islands and encourage more sustainable tourism practices. The tax introduction is just one step in that direction. Mykonos has already implemented a berth allocation system, limiting the number of cruise ships to 56 per day to prevent overcrowding.
What do tourists think?
While the tax will likely be included in the price, many tourists are not thrilled about the extra cost. On the other hand, some see it as a necessary step to preserve the natural beauty and unique charm of these islands for future generations.
Conclusion
Greece is on the brink of changing the tourism game. Will this new €20 tax per cruise passenger save Mykonos and Santorini or push them into economic trouble? One thing is clear – tourism as we know it might never be the same. What do you think? Smart move or just another way to squeeze tourists dry? Drop a comment and keep the conversation rolling!
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