At the Thessaloniki International Fair, the Prime Minister Kiriakos Mitsotakis announced measures of interest to entrepreneurs in the wider tourism industry regarding incentives for the imposition of a cruise tax which raises concerns about over-tourism in Greece and the measures imposed on short-term rental properties.
In his keynote speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair on Saturday, 7th September, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted concerns regarding tourist arrivals at certain points of the year.
To mitigate this, the Greek government plans to expand its Golden Visa programme to investors willing to put up at least US$277,000 into local startups. Prior to the pandemic, potential foreign investors needed to buy property in the country to secure the Golden Visa.
Likewise, passengers arriving at Greek sea ports will be required to pay additional fees. Greece is planning to introduce a levy of €20 on cruise ship visitors to Santorini and Mykonos.
At the same time, the government will implement the charging of a higher lodging tax throughout the peak travel season which runs from April to October.
He said: “Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos,” but added: “Greece does not have a structural overtourism problem. Some of its destinations have a significant issue during certain weeks or months of the year, which we need to deal with.”
More specifically, he announced the following on tourism activity:
- Increase, from April to October of the year, the Climate Resilience Fee, proportionately, for hotels, accommodation and short-term rental properties through platforms. This revenue will be returned to local communities to better organise their infrastructure against the burden they face each summer. According to information that has come to light, this increase is significant for high-end accommodation and for tourist villas and detached houses (from an extra half a euro in the low category to 5 euros and more in 5-star and luxury villas).
- A Cruise Fee is imposed per passenger disembarking in a Greek port. Higher in Santorini and Mykonos, lower in other ports, with escalation per season.
