Greece announces measures to address impact of overtourism

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Greece on Monday announced measures to address the impact of overtourism, which is blamed for a deepening housing crisis and extra pressure on the country’s infrastructure and resources, local media reported Monday.

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni revealed a cruise passenger levy of €20 ($22.26) for each person disembarking at the ports of Mykonos and Santorini, among the most popular touristic spots in the world, and €5 at other Greek ports, valid from June 1 to Sept. 30, reported the state-run AMNA news agency.

The levy will be discounted 40% in April and May and 80% between November and March, less crowded months, she added.

This action is expected to bring €50 million in additional revenues, part of which will be added to the Tourism Ministry budget, to be used for improvements in tourism infrastructure, she said.

She also gave details of a resiliency fee charged in tourist accommodation and short-term leases from April until October, which will be used to help prevention and recovery from natural disasters and enhance the country’s tourism infrastructure.

The fee will rise from €0.50 during the winter months to €2, and from €1.50 to €8 between April and October for short-term rentals.

Moreover, no new short-term rentals will be permitted in the first, second, and third municipal quarters of the capital Athens for one year, with a possibility of extending the ban further, she said.

Other European countries have introduced similar measures to stem such problems as overcrowding and a huge environmental impact from masses of tourists, especially during the summer.