Greece has introduced new rules to cope with the increase in cruise tourism that touches islands of great popularity and tourist attraction, among which Mykonos and Santorini stand out.
These measures were announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his speech on September 08th, 2024 at the International Fair of Thessaloniki, important port city on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea in the Administrative Region of Central Macedonia who stated that this action is a necessary step to help communities manage the growing number of visitors while ensuring the infrastructure can accommodate them.
These measures include a proportional tax on cruise passengers and limits on the number of cruise ships that can dock at the same time in these famous Greek destinations, a strategy fundamentally focused on easing the tension that has been occurring for some time on these highly appealing locations.
According to the Hellenic Prime Minister declared, a tax equivalent to € 20.0 per passenger will be applied on these islands during the high season and in other ports lower or variable rates will be applied depending on tourist demand, popularity, seasonality and destination.
This regulation basically aims to ensure that tourists who pay higher prices for extended stays are not overwhelmed by large numbers of day visitors, part of a wider effort to improve the quality of the tourist experience.
This measure which acts as a deterrent against the infamous overtourism that afflicts many destinations in this new era, aims to reduce overcrowding during the busiest months when infrastructure is at its limit.
As an additional note, it was pointed out that part of the revenue generated will be reinvested in local projects to help offset the pressure that tourism exerts on these small island communities in Greece.
The Minister in a press conference following his speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair stressed that while cruise tourism generates significant revenues, but creates challenges for some destinations and the goal is not only to increase arrivals but to improve revenues and fewer tourists spending more would be better for the sustainability of these popular and in-demand destinations.
Link - https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/102405_nuevas_medidas_de_grecia_para_el_turismo_de_cruceros_en_sus_islas_mas
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