New Tourist Tax in Greece Targets Cruise Passengers and Hotel Stays

International news
The tourist tax in Greece is set to rise, targeting accommodations and cruise passengers to help fund recovery efforts from natural disasters. The Greek parliament, led by a conservative majority, passed the bill to counteract the financial strain caused by climate change-driven events like floods, droughts, and wildfires.

Starting in 2025, tourists booking short-term rentals between April and October—the peak travel season—will face a daily tax of €8, a notable rise from the current €1.50. During the off-season, from November to March, this fee will increase to €2 from the existing €0.50.

Additionally, the new legislation introduces a tiered tax hike for hotel accommodations. Depending on the hotel’s star rating daily tax could climb as high as €15 during the summer months.

Cruise passengers visiting Greece’s iconic islands, including Santorini and Mykonos, will also experience increased costs. A €20 daily tax will apply to these destinations, while a €5 charge will be imposed at other ports across the country.

A senior finance ministry official emphasized the urgent need for these tax hikes, stating, “Our goal is to raise €400 million a year, almost double the amount we raised last year.”