German Travel Association Warns Greek Government Over New Tourism Fees

Archive photo of German Travel Association (DRV) President Norbert Fiebig.

The Greek government’s recent announcement of new tourism measures, aimed at promoting a sustainable tourism model, has sparked a reaction from the German Travel Association (DRV). The measures include an increase in the climate resilience fee for hoteliers and the introduction of a new levy for cruise passengers.

In a recent letter to Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, the DRV expressed concerns that these sudden measures could lead to a decline in the number of German tourists visiting Greece.

While the DRV stated its understanding and support for the Greek government’s goals to improve sustainability in the natural environment, infrastructure, and seasonality, it emphasized the challenges created by the short timeframe for implementing the new measures.

German tourists may prefer other destinations due to Greece’s rising prices

The association highlighted its worries about the rapid introduction of the new fees and levies, particularly the cruise passenger levy and the significant increase in the climate resilience fee. It warned that rising prices could prompt tourists to shift from Greece to other Eastern Mediterranean destinations, as has happened in the past, given the growing “price sensitivity” of both German businesses and their customers.

DRV asks for transition period for new fees

The letter, signed by DRV President Norbert Fiebig, urged the Greek government to introduce a transition period for the implementation of the new fees and to provide special provisions for holiday packages already sold for 2025. The DRV explained that German travel agencies cannot pass these additional costs onto customers who have already paid for their vacations. As a result, German travel agents will be left bearing a considerable financial burden, according to DRV.

The letter also recognized the “strong relationship” between Germany and Greece in tourism, noting that the German travel industry had a successful summer season in 2024, with German holidaymakers continuing to value Greece’s tourism offerings. The DRV stressed that this success is closely tied to the quality of tourism infrastructure, services, and hospitality in destinations like Greece, which it considers a “reliable partner”.

The DRV represents the travel industry in Germany, with its members accounting for the majority of sales in the travel agent and tour operator markets.