As is known, from the podium of the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced measures including an increase in the special fee per passenger for those on cruises.
“Cruising has heavily burdened Santorini and Mykonos. That’s why we are proceeding with interventions, such as the cruise fee. It will be significant; I can tell you now that it will be 20 euros during the tough months, the high season. A portion of this money will return to the local communities for significant infrastructure projects,” the Prime Minister specifically stated. He explained that the measure – and the amount – will be higher in Santorini and Mykonos and lower in other ports that do not face the same overtourism problems and will vary depending on the time period.
Additionally, the Prime Minister noted that there will be a limitation on the number of visitors to the islands from cruise ships, as, in his words, “it’s not possible for someone who goes to Santorini and pays 1,000 or 2,000 euros, because there are such prices, per night for a room, to feel that they are not enjoying a destination from which someone benefits who comes out for three, four hours, with a doubtful, in my opinion, economic impact on the local economy” and he announced similar measures soon.
However, this particular announcement seems to raise issues for tourism agents involved in the cruise sector in the country.
Specifically, according to information, their concerns are focused on two points:
The first concerns the amount of the special fee for the two popular islands, as, according to information, they had expected it to be around 10 euros, not double. The second, however, appears to be more significant and relates to the scheduling of cruise companies, which goes back up to two years. In this context, they estimate that if the measures are implemented from 2025, then there may be problems, and therefore they are requesting a phased implementation. It is certain that the government will be called upon to find… balances in this issue as well.
The original article was published on topontiki.gr