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IN BRIEF
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As summer 2024 approaches, Greece has decided to take further action in its fight against overtourism, by instituting a new tax aimed at cruise passengers docking at its most popular islands starting July 1. Facing the constant increase in tourist flows, particularly from the massive arrivals generated by cruise ships, this measure aims to limit the negative effects of mass tourism while providing additional funding for improving local infrastructure. The tax amount varies by destination and season, with a particular focus on iconic islands like Santorini and Mykonos. This decision mirrors other similar initiatives taken worldwide, such as in Venice, Norway, or New Zealand, to regulate tourism and protect the environment.
Starting in July, a new tax will be implemented for cruise passengers arriving in Greece
The overtourism phenomenon is no longer sparing the Greek islands, particularly those that draw millions of visitors each year, such as Mykonos and Santorini. These gems of the Aegean Sea are facing waves of passengers, often dumped at once by giant cruise ships. Confronted with crowding issues, environmental impact, and infrastructure strain, Greece has decided to tackle the issue head-on with a new summer tax for cruise passengers, applied from July 1, 2024.
Cruise ships at the heart of the issue
The ocean giants are often the first to be blamed when it comes to addressing the issue of overtourism. Beyond concerns about pollution and environmental respect—issues dear to nature advocates and an increasingly vocal segment of tourists themselves—it is mainly the capacity of these ships to deposit thousands of visitors at once on relatively small islands that raises alarms. In Santorini, it is not uncommon to have up to seven cruise ships docked on the same day, each overflowing with eager passengers wanting to explore the town’s white streets.
Amount and terms of the new tax
The new tax for cruise passengers will amount to €20 per person upon arrival in Santorini or Mykonos during the summer season. This fee will be directly integrated into the price of the cruise, thus avoiding administrative hassles upon arrival and smoothing the reception of visitors. For other Greek islands or ports, a contribution will also be imposed but will be lower, ranging from €1 to €5 depending on the season: €1 in low season, €3 in mid-season, rising to €5 from June 1 to September 30.
The stated goal is twofold: regulate the massive influx of tourists while also funding modernization works for infrastructure, visitor services, and waste management, which are severely tested every summer.
An international context of managing overtourism
Greece is not isolated in its approach to taxing mass tourism to preserve its sites. Other iconic destinations have already adopted similar measures or are about to do so. Venice recently introduced an entry tax to limit the daily influx of visitors, while New Zealand plans to impose a carbon offset on every incoming flight starting in 2026, and Norway has also begun active measures against overtourism through dedicated tax measures.
In France, experts are drawing attention to the risks of these taxes on vacation accessibility for certain demographics (see experts’ analysis on taxes and vacations in France). These upheavals reflect a profound change in the way international tourism is organized and regulated.
Towards a transformation of tourism in Greece
With this new tax, Greece hopes to rebalance the attendance of its islands, protect its ecosystems, and guarantee visitors a more authentic and less crowded experience. This measure is part of a dynamic rethinking of the traditional tourism model, necessary in light of rapidly evolving global trends and the critical need for sustainability in the sector.
For more information on upcoming major tourism trends, similar measures adopted elsewhere, or what’s new for 2025, check out these global tourism updates.
