Greece announces measures to address impact of overtourism

International

Stricter regulations on short-term rentals, levy on passengers of cruise ships among steps being introduced to soften impact of masses of visitors.

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.