Popular Greek tourist hotspots have become the latest to impose taxes on UK tourists. The tranquil islands of Mykonos and Santorini are leading the charge in addressing the significant issue of overtourism.
Just last year, images emerged of Santorini’s capital Thira swamped with tourists eager to capture the island’s renowned sunset, a major attraction. Similarly, Mykonos, initially known as a hotspot for cosmopolitan celebrities, has become a favourite holiday destination for Brits and often finds itself overwhelmed during peak season.
Now, authorities on both islands are taking action, specifically targeting tourists arriving on cruise ships. The Greek parliament passed this legislation just last month in anticipation of another bustling summer season.
Read more: Can you guess if these crooks were jailed?
The tax will be enforced between April and October. It’s common for many cruise passengers to visit for a day or a short period before returning to their ship.
These brief visits can lead to overcrowding, prompting the new measures. As per Reuters, visitors setting foot on Greek soil will need to pay a 20 euro fee, currently equivalent to £16.77, during the summer months, reports the Mirror.
A significant portion of the funds is expected to be reinvested in the islands to upgrade their infrastructure, which is struggling to cope with the influx of visitors. The Greek Tourism Confederation reported that in 2023, around 800 cruise ships docked in Santorini, bringing 1.3 million passengers to the island, while Mykonos received 749 vessels and 1.2 million tourists.
Although the 2024 figures are not yet available, the strain on the islands is evident. According to Forbes, Santorini is not only a favorite among British tourists but also a sought-after destination for Asian visitors, who consider it one of the world’s most beautiful places.
However, with a resident population of only 25,000, the island is feeling the effects of mass tourism, including long queues, coach congestion, pollution, and pressure on its infrastructure. Furthermore, the issue of tourist accommodation pricing out local residents remains a concern, with Santorini’s mayor, Nikos Zorzos, acknowledging that the millions of visitors are “putting pressure on the outdated infrastructure while pricing islanders out of the housing market.”
This post was originally published on here
