???Greece to Implement Cruise Ship Tax to Address Overtourism in Santorini and Mykonos

??In a move aimed at mitigating overtourism, Greece is set to introduce a 20-euro fee for cruise ship passengers visiting the islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the busy summer months, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Sunday.

Tourism is a vital part of Greece's economy, which is still recovering from a severe economic crisis that significantly impacted the country's output. However, the influx of tourists to high-profile destinations like Santorini—a picturesque island with 20,000 residents—has raised concerns about the potential negative effects of mass tourism.

Mitsotakis addressed these concerns at a press conference, stating that while Greece does not face a widespread problem with overtourism, specific locations experience significant challenges at certain times of the year. He noted that cruise tourism has particularly strained Santorini and Mykonos, prompting the need for regulatory measures.

???In addition to the cruise ship tax, some of the proceeds will be allocated to local communities for infrastructure improvements. The government plans to limit the number of cruise ships docking simultaneously at certain locations and will implement environmental protections and measures to address water shortages on the islands.

In related news, Greece is also looking to increase taxes on short-term rentals and halt new licenses for such properties in central Athens to boost the availability of housing for permanent residents, Mitsotakis revealed on Saturday.

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