Greece Implements Measures Against Cruise Tourism and Short-Term Rentals

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced new measures to address the issues of overtourism in the country, as record numbers of visitors continue to flock to Greece in the post-pandemic era. Concerned about the influx of cruise ship passengers during certain months, the government plans to implement fees and increase taxes on accommodation linked to the climate crisis. With Greece welcoming a record 36.1 million visitors in 2023 and a 16% increase in arrivals in the first half of 2024, tourism remains a pivotal sector contributing about 20% to the economy.

To manage the impact of tourism, Greece will expand its “Golden Visa” program to attract investors willing to invest a minimum of 250,000 euros in local startups. Additionally, a new fee will be imposed on all passengers arriving at Greek ports, with higher fees for popular tourist islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Mitsotakis has expressed concerns over ‘overtourism’ in Greece and plans to ban cruise ships from visiting the country’s most popular islands starting in 2025 to alleviate the strain on local infrastructure.

The government is taking steps to address housing issues exacerbated by short-term rentals, with a ban on such rentals in three main districts of Athens. Mitsotakis also announced tax incentives for property owners transitioning from short-term to long-term leases, aiming to ease the country’s housing crisis. Additionally, Greece will launch a €2 billion program to reduce interest costs on mortgage loans, part of a broader set of measures aimed at reducing the cost of living in the country and boosting economic stability.

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