The measure aims both to tackle congestion at high-traffic cruise destinations, such as Santorini and Mykonos, and to generate additional revenue for infrastructure projects at the affected ports and within the broader tourism sector. According to sources, the measure will come into force on July 1st.

The new fee structure is grounded in legislation passed earlier in 2024 and follows an announcement by the Prime Minister last September. The decision, coordinated by the Prime Minister’s office and the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, is set to be issued imminently.

Authorities argue that while cruise tourism brings volume, it contributes relatively little to local economies under current business models, while placing an outsized burden on infrastructure. Santorini, in particular, has become emblematic of the problem, with tens of thousands of cruise visitors arriving daily, causing severe overcrowding and altering the island’s traditional character, to the detriment of the island’s organized tourism sector, according to experts.

In addition to managing these issues, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs is also moving quickly to implement the measure in order to boost port revenues, in line with broader government efforts. The new policy is detailed in Article 27 of Law 5162/2024 and stipulates that the disembarkation fee will be collected from cruise passengers at each Greek port where they disembark.

The fee will be applied per passenger, per port, and will vary depending on the time of year. From June 1st to September 30th, the fee will be set at €20 per passenger for Mykonos and Santorini, and €5 for other ports. From October 1st to October 31st and from April 1st to May 31st, the fee will be €12 for Mykonos and Santorini and €3 for other ports. During the winter period, from November 1st to March 31st, the fee will be €4 for Mykonos and Santorini and €1 for other ports.

The revenue generated will be allocated toward the construction and improvement of infrastructure and related projects, as well as to the promotion of tourism in Greece. One third of the funds will go to the Ministry of the Interior to support tourism infrastructure upgrades in the municipalities responsible for the ports of disembarkation. Another third will be directed to the public investment budget of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, while the remainder will contribute to the regular budget of the Ministry of Tourism.

This article was previously published in Greek at kathimerini.gr