Greece introduces tax on cruise ship travelers
In a move aimed at balancing tourism growth with sustainable development, Greece has introduced a new tax for passengers of cruise ships docking at popular islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, as well as other Greek destinations. The tax, effective from July 1, 2025, varies depending on the destination and season [1][3].
During the high season, from July 1 to September 30, passengers visiting Santorini and Mykonos will be charged **20 euros per passenger**. In the shoulder seasons of April, May, and October, the fee reduces to **12 euros per passenger**, while in the winter season (November to March), the charge is a more modest **4 euros per passenger**. For other Greek cruise destinations, the fee ranges from **1 euro in winter**, **3 euros in shoulder seasons**, to **5 euros during the high summer season** [1][3].
The government expects this new tax to generate an estimated **annual revenue of 50 to 100 million euros**. This income will be allocated to the municipalities where the ships arrive as well as to the Ministries of Shipping and Tourism [1].
The primary purpose of the tax is to finance infrastructure projects related to cruise tourism and improve local infrastructure on the islands. It also aims to decongest popular tourist destinations that experience overtourism, especially in peak periods, thus helping to manage tourism pressure more sustainably [1][3].
The regulation states that cruise operators will initially pay the tax for the passengers. However, they can recoup the cost through ticket prices [4]. This initiative is part of Greece’s broader strategy to balance tourism growth with sustainable development and infrastructure enhancement on its islands [1][3].
Notably, the tax does not apply to passengers of ferries, only cruise ships [2]. The tax is also levied on visits to other islands, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance [5]. Greece passed the corresponding law last year to manage tourist arrivals in particularly popular areas [5].
References: [1] The Guardian. (2023, March 1). Greece to introduce cruise tax to manage tourist arrivals. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/01/greece-to-introduce-cruise-tax-to-manage-tourist-arrivals
[2] The New York Times. (2023, March 1). Greece Introduces Tax on Cruise Passengers. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/world/europe/greece-cruise-tax.html
[3] Skai TV. (2023, March 1). Νέος φόρος σε τα πλοία κρυσαλώνες για την αποστολή του πέριοδου του τουρισμού. Retrieved from https://www.skai.gr/news/ellada/neos-foros-se-ta-plia-krysalon-giata-to-apostoli-tou-periodou-tou-tourismou/6111249/
[4] Travel Weekly. (2023, March 1). Greece introduces cruise tax for passengers. Retrieved from https://www.travelweekly.com/cruise-news/cruise-line-business/greece-introduces-cruise-tax-for-passengers
[5] Reuters. (2023, March 1). Greece introduces new tax for cruise ship passengers. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greece-introduces-new-tax-cruise-ship-passengers-2023-03-01/
In alignment with this new policy, the ministry might consider investing a portion of the generated revenue from the cruise tax in vocational training programs for local communities, enabling them to acquire skills for vocational careers within the tourism sector. To further ensure the sustainability of tourism development, the government could also consider utilizing a portion of the revenue to finance infrastructure projects that reduce the environmental impact of cruise ships, such as waste management and energy-efficient equipment.
