According to the Greek daily Katimerini and others on the 23rd, cruise ship passenger tourism taxes will be introduced in Santorini and Mykonos starting next month. As a result, it is expected to have a significant impact on the cruise industry and tourists.
Santorini and Mykonos are also popular tourist destinations in Greece, famous for their blue church dome and sunset at sea. The Greek authorities took this action in recent years when the number of tourists entering through cruise ships has soared, causing serious problems such as overcrowding, environmental destruction, and water shortages.
According to reports, cruise ship passengers visiting here between June 1 and September 30, the peak summer season, will have to pay 20 euros per person.
However, during the off-season, the tourism tax will be lowered to 1 euro. Even during the peak season, if you visit islands other than Santorini and Mykonos, you only need to pay 5 euros.
The Greek government is in a position to distribute tourists and induce sustainable tourism through the introduction of a tourism tax. Some of the income from tourism tax will be used to expand infrastructure in the community.
Greece, meanwhile, attracted about 32.7 million tourists in 2023 and recorded 20 billion euros in tourism income, or about 13% of its GDP. About 1.3 million tourists visited Santorini by cruise ship that same year.
SAM KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
