The charge, which has been dubbed the ‘sustainable tourism fee’ by the local government, has been implemented in a bid to curb ‘overtourism’ in certain hotspots
If you’re planning a trip to the Greek islands this summer, you’ll want to take note of a new charge now hitting some visitors to the region. The new rule, which came into force on Monday (July 21), means cruise passengers must cough up a “cruise fee” when disembarking from the ship.
“Cruising the Greek islands became a little more expensive for everyone,” warned Dane from TikTok’s CroatianTravellers account. “Passengers disembarking on Greek islands will pay an extra charge.” But what’s the damage? “The so-called ‘cruise fee’ will be €20 for disembarkation at ports on the islands of Mykonos and Santorini,” Dane revealed. “For others ports it will be €5.”
The levy, branded the “sustainable tourism fee” by Greek officials, has been brought in to tackle “overtourism” at popular destinations.
According to the Hellenic Ports Association, a staggering 768 cruise ships carrying roughly 1.29million holidaymakers visited Mykonos last year.
Dane continued: “During shoulder season in October and from April 1 to May 31, the fee for Mykonos and Santorini the fee drops to €12 for Mykonos and Santorini and €3 for all other ports. And, during the winter months from November 1 to March 31, the fee is just €4 for Mykonos and Santorini and €1 for other ports. The charge will be applied per passenger and per port where they disembark.”
According to Keep Talking Greece, cruise line companies will include these fees in their fares and then manage the payments to the Greek government.
State broadcaster ERT suggests that this change could bolster the local economy by €50million, with a third of the income benefiting the island municipalities themselves.
Holidaymakers appear to be supportive of the extra cost, including one TikTok user who penned in response: “As long as it’s being spent on tourist infrastructure and preservation of local history and nature then I’m all for it.”
Another added: “Greece is a poor country, I think this is fair. I wouldn’t agree if it were a wealthier country like Canada. The economic boom from the cruise ships is enough for us.”
A third person declared: “I’d pay for Santorini, it is well worth it. I spent a month on Santorini and if I had the opportunity to go again I’d be there in a heartbeat.”
While a fourth explained: “Honestly that’s okay to charge it say they are trying to drive people to other ports. People rock up use the facilities and leave. As long as the tourist tax goes into infrastructure it will be there for years for others to enjoy as well as the locals.”
However, one holidaymaker who was less than impressed by the change, vented: “It’s just not worth cruising to these places… by the time you dock, queue for a hour to get on your boat, everything is a rush and spend hours in queues before panicking to get back and queue to get back on the boats to take you to the cruise ship.
“A complete day of stress. I normally just stay onboard and enjoy the weather and a empty ship.”