CLIA Raises Concerns Over New Cruise Levy in Greek Ports

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently raised concerns about the new cruise levy for Greek ports during the high season, as announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.The new levy of 20 euros per passenger will be imposed in Santorini and Mykonos, with lower levies applied at other ports aiming to reduce overtourism.

“The cruise sector is a success story for Greece contributing 1.4 billion euros to the economy in 2022,” CLIA remarked, adding that this levy should be invested in port infrastructure to implement efficient planning for cruise ship berthing.

Any increase in the existing port fee should be fit for purpose, proportionate to the specific port investment needs, and apply across all visitors, with revenues directly reinvested into port operations and the local communities.

However, the Association highlighted its commitment to maintaining close cooperation with the Greek government in promoting sustainable tourism practices in Greece.

“CLIA is hoping that any new measures imposed by the Government will be developed in close consultation with the impacted municipalities, ports and tourism stakeholders locally whose livelihoods depend on cruise tourism,” the Association remarked.

Investment in port infrastructure benefits local communities

While CLIA acknowledges the Greek government’s efforts to address tourism management issues during the peak season in certain destinations with a potential variation in fee levels, it also emphasizes that any increase in the existing port fee should be purposeful, proportionate to the specific port’s investment needs, and uniformly applied to all visitors.

It should also be introduced with sufficient advance notice. Fee revenues should be directly reinvested into port operations to ensure the benefits are felt by the local communities and visitors. Additionally, the levy should be benchmarked against other port fees in the Mediterranean region, to ensure the Greek ports remain attractive and competitive.

“Port fees are also regulated by European and national legislation and should align with these principles,” CLIA highlights.

CLIA questions the singular focus on cruise tourism for this proposal and recognizes that the need to find solutions to tourism management requires a holistic response.

Cruise calls are planned years in advance, which allows for the use of flow management measures. Indeed, such measures have already been implemented in coordination with local municipalities in Santorini and Mykonos, including berth management systems.

“CLIA is hoping that any new measures imposed by the Government will be developed in close consultation with the impacted municipalities, ports and tourism stakeholders locally whose livelihoods depend on cruise tourism,” the Association concludes.