Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a €20 fee for cruise passengers visiting Mykonos and Santorini which he says is to help manage overtourism and its impact on these popular islands.
Santorini, known for its beautiful landscapes and sunsets, received approximately 1.3 million cruise passengers last year, creating strain on its infrastructure, which has a permanent population of only 15,500.
The government plans to implement measures to control the number of cruise ships arriving at the same time and set daily passenger limits, with a cap of 8,000 for Santorini starting next year.
Despite these measures, Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of maintaining Greece’s reputation as a welcoming tourist destination, as tourism accounts for 13% of the country’s GDP and is vital for its economy.
