Planning a holiday in Greece? Prepare for increased costs, especially if you’re heading to iconic spots like Santorini and Mykonos. In an effort to tackle overtourism, the Greek government is introducing several measures that will affect travelers starting in 2025.
Greece, a favorite destination for global tourists, is grappling with the pressure of millions of visitors, particularly in its most visited islands. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced steps to limit the number of cruise ships allowed to dock at these islands, part of a broader plan to manage tourist flows.
Key Measures Include:
Higher Disembarkation Fees: Cruise passengers visiting Santorini and Mykonos will face increased fees, making their trips more expensive.
New Accommodation Tax: An additional tax will be imposed on lodgings from April to October, aimed at generating revenue for local communities and relieving the strain on public services.
Halt on New Short-Term Rental Licenses: Athens will freeze new short-term rental permits to address the housing crisis, potentially making accommodations scarcer and more expensive.
Expansion of the Golden Visa Program: Foreign investors can now qualify for a visa by investing at least €250,000 into startups, rather than purchasing property.
Santorini, a top tourist draw, saw around 1.3 million passengers from 800 cruise ships in 2023 alone, despite having only 15,500 residents. Local officials have now imposed a limit of 8,000 cruise passengers per day starting next year, a move designed to ease the strain on the island’s resources.
Rising Numbers, Increasing Strain
Tourism is a crucial pillar of Greece’s economy, contributing about 20% to its GDP. In 2023, the country welcomed a record 36.1 million tourists, and visitor numbers continue to rise. During the first half of 2024, arrivals were up by 16%, reaching 11.6 million, according to data from the Bank of Greece.
However, this surge in tourism has stressed the infrastructure, especially on small islands. While hotel accommodations only grew by 3.5% between 2019 and 2023, short-term holiday rentals surged by 28% annually, doubling in availability during the same period. This imbalance has contributed to a housing crunch for locals, leading to the temporary halt in new rental licenses.
Global Trends in Sustainable Tourism
Greece’s actions align with broader European trends aimed at curbing overtourism. Countries like Spain, Italy, and Croatia have also introduced visitor taxes, restrictions on accommodations, and policies promoting sustainable tourism. The goal is to balance the economic benefits of tourism with protecting the environment and ensuring quality of life for residents.
While these new measures are expected to increase costs for travelers, they reflect a global shift toward managing tourist numbers more responsibly. For those planning a trip to Greece, especially to popular islands like Santorini, it’s advisable to prepare for potential changes in pricing and availability as these measures come into effect.