The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has voiced strong concerns regarding Greece’s plan to introduce new cruise passenger fees for island destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos.
CLIA Questions Purpose of New €20 Cruise Passenger Fee
In its official statement, CLIA challenged the rationale behind the proposed €20 fee for cruise passengers during peak season. The association urged Greek authorities to allocate the revenues specifically towards cruise-related community improvements.
CLIA emphasized that funds raised through this fee should be reinvested into port operations, benefiting both local communities and businesses reliant on cruise tourism.
“The cruise sector is a success story for Greece, contributing €1.4 billion to the economy in 2022. Any increase in port fees should be proportional and aligned with the specific investment needs of each port.”
Prime Minister Outlines Infrastructure Investment Plans
Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, announced that part of the revenue from the new fees would go towards local infrastructure projects to accommodate the influx of tourists.
CLIA Calls for Collaborative Development of New Measures
CLIA expressed hope that any new regulations will be developed in close consultation with local municipalities, ports, and tourism stakeholders, whose livelihoods are directly tied to cruise visitors.
The association also suggested that a uniform fee should be applied to all visitors, not singling out the cruise industry. “It would be more equitable to apply the fee uniformly to all tourists,” CLIA stated, adding that the fee should be benchmarked against other Mediterranean ports to ensure Greek ports remain competitive.
Cruise Ship Limits Being Considered for Popular Islands
In a recent press briefing, Prime Minister Mitsotakis acknowledged that popular tourist destinations like Santorini and Mykonos are nearing capacity in tourist volumes.
“The cruise industry has placed significant pressure on these islands. We are now reaching a point where the infrastructure is being tested,” the Prime Minister said.
In 2024, several European ports, including Santorini, Mykonos, Venice, Dubrovnik, and Barcelona, have introduced or revised passenger fees to address sustainability and infrastructure challenges.
