GREECE TO CHARGE FEES FOR VISITS TO MOST POPULAR TOURIST SITES

NEWS LINES………………. NEWS LINES……………. NEWS LINES………………. NEWS LINES………………. NEWS LINES…………………..

IN A bid to combat what it says is ‘over-tourism’, Greece is moving forward with plans to impose a new €20 fee (£16) on tourists.

Beginning next summer, visitors will need to pay this extra charge when exploring Greece’s popular sites, including the picturesque yet overcrowded island of Santorini.

While Santorini has a modest local population of just 20,000, it attracts over three million tourists each year, placing immense strain on public services and displacing residents.

Particularly concerning for Greece is the surge of cruise passengers, who arrive in large numbers during the peak season.

Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis stated: “Greece does not have a structural over-tourism problem… however, some destinations face significant issues during specific weeks or months of the year that we must address.”

He emphasised that busy hotspots like Mykonos will also implement new fees during peak seasons to manage the excessive flow of cruise ship visitors. “Cruise shipping has put a strain on Santorini and Mykonos, which is why we are moving forward with necessary interventions.”