It may cost a little extra to visit the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos as government authorities develop a strategy to curb overtourism on the islands.
Greek authorities are planning to impose a tax on cruise ship passengers during the peak summer season, Reuters reported.
The tax for tourists taking cruises to Santorini and Mykonos will be 20 euros ($22).
Rome may impose entrance fees for historic monuments in latest attempt to combat overtourism
According to the Bank of Greece, more than 11 million tourists visited Greece between January and June, bringing in about $7 million in tourism revenue.
Greek authorities plan to impose a tax of about $20 on tourists arriving by boat to the islands of Mykonos and Santorini. (iStock)
“Greece does not have a structural overtourism problem. Some tourist destinations have significant problems during certain weeks and months of the year that need to be addressed,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told a press conference, according to Reuters.
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According to the Bank of Greece, 209,300 Americans visited Greece last year.
Greece can also limit the number of cruise ships arriving at certain destinations. (iStock)
“The cruise ship operations are putting a strain on Santorini and Mykonos, which is why we are going ahead with the intervention,” Mitsotakis added.
Reuters reported that governments may also limit the number of cruise ships arriving at certain destinations.
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Greece is not the only European country grappling with overtourism.
Greece is joining other European countries in trying to tackle overtourism by imposing a tax. (iStock)
“The impacts of overtourism are potentially severe, and both natural and cultural heritage are at risk of losing their attractiveness as desirable tourist destinations,” the European Parliament said in a report titled “Overtourism: Impacts and possible policy responses.”
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According to Fox News Digital, Venice has launched a test program to charge entrance fees to day-trippers to reduce tourist influxes during peak periods, while authorities in Rome are drawing up plans to impose time slots on the iconic Trevi Fountain to limit tourist waves while still charging an entrance fee.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Greek Ministry of Tourism for comment.
Reuters contributed to this report.
