New measures from Greece against the tourist influx: Taxes are coming

Greece is taking new measures to combat the problems caused by overtourism.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced new regulations aimed at easing visitor density, particularly in popular tourist regions.

These measures include steps such as additional fees for cruise passengers and an increase in accommodation taxes.

The country continues to receive a record number of visitors in the post-pandemic period.

11.6 MILLION TOURISTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR

While Greece hosted 36.1 million visitors in 2023, the number of visitors reached 11.6 million in the first half of 2024, an increase of 16 percent. The tourism sector, which contributes approximately 20 percent to the economy, is of vital importance to the country.

In his speech, Mitsotakis reiterated his concerns that some regions of Greece are facing the problem of “overtourism.”

Speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair yesterday, Mitsotakis said that the government is “very concerned” about the influx of cruise passengers during certain months of the year and will begin charging fees.

Furthermore, according to the regulation, the accommodation tax will also be increased in connection with the climate crisis. On the other hand, all passengers arriving at Greek ports will pay an additional fee. This fee will be higher on the popular tourist islands of Santorini and Mykonos. The accommodation tax collected during the April-October period will also be increased.

250 THOUSAND EURO REQUIREMENT FOR GOLDEN VISA

The country is also making changes to the program known as the “Golden Visa.” Previously, foreigners were required to purchase property to obtain an unlimited residence visa. According to the new regulation, those who want to obtain this visa will be required to invest at least 250 thousand Euros in local ventures.

Mitsotakis also said that they will ban short-term rentals for at least one year in three main districts of Athens.

He stated that property owners who convert rental contracts from short-term to long-term will not have to pay rental tax for three years, and that property owners who decide to rent out their homes instead of keeping them off the market will also not pay rental tax.

Vacation rentals had increased by an annual average of 28 percent from 2019 to 2023. However, short-term rentals are fueling the housing crisis in the country. This situation, along with high consumer prices, is at the center of recent political debates.