Greek Islands Push for Tourist Entry Fee Amid Overtourism Pressure

As Greece continues to enjoy record-breaking tourism numbers, a growing number of its small islands are sounding the alarm: overtourism is pushing their infrastructure to the breaking point. Following the recent move by the island of Symi to request government approval for a €3 entry fee on day-trippers, the Ionian islands of Paxi and Ithaca are now considering similar measures.

Day-Trippers, Big Costs, No Revenue

While tourism is a vital part of the Greek economy, day visitors—those who arrive in the morning and leave by night—often leave little economic benefit behind, yet place enormous stress on public services. They do not pay accommodation tax, contribute to local budgets, or support municipal services directly. Meanwhile, the volume of waste, water usage, and infrastructure wear continues to climb.

According to Paxi’s mayor, Spyridon Vlachopoulos, the island welcomed an estimated 240,000 day-trippers in just July and August. “If the Ministry of Interior gives us the green light,” he told Kathimerini, “we’re ready to pass a local council resolution for an entry fee.” Ithaca’s mayor, Dionysis Stanitsas, is also reviewing the option, planning to finalize a decision after the main tourist season ends in late August.

These proposals come on the heels of a similar initiative by Symi’s mayor, Eleftherios Papakalodoukas, who earlier this summer formally requested approval to impose a €3 fee on each daily visitor—a measure that could bring in significant revenue, given that Symi sees up to 500,000 such visitors annually, many from cruise ships or day ferries.

Sustainable Tourism in Practice, Not Theory

Officials argue that the move isn’t about discouraging visitors, but ensuring sustainable tourism by making sure that those who enjoy the islands also help preserve them. “We cannot keep raising municipal taxes on our residents to cover services consumed by visitors,” said Papakalodoukas. “We want these tourists, but we need to equip our islands to handle them.”

The mayors are not alone in this push. Regional governments and former tourism officials are beginning to support the idea, seeing it as a way to finance basic services like waste collection, sewage, potable water, and even the preservation of historic monuments—all of which are strained under seasonal surges in population.

A Model from Abroad

The concept is hardly new in Europe. Spain’s Balearic Islands, Venice, and other destinations already impose entry or sustainability taxes on tourists, particularly day visitors. These “Sustainable Tourism Taxes” aim to balance economic growth with ecological and social responsibility.

Greece, while having introduced a “climate resilience tax” on overnight hotel stays, currently does not apply any fee to day-trippers—a growing concern for islands whose infrastructures were never designed to accommodate such massive footfall in short periods.

What’s Next?

The Symi proposal could serve as a pilot case, with implementation either through ministerial decision for islands with unique challenges or through new national legislation enabling municipalities to impose entry fees. Collaboration between the Ministries of Interior and Shipping would likely be required, as the measure involves port access.

If adopted, the entry fee could fund vital upgrades without burdening locals, providing a sustainable financial model for small destinations facing the paradox of tourism: economic success at the cost of quality of life and environmental strain.

In a time where quality tourism and sustainable management are key to long-term success, Greece’s island communities are demanding a new approach — one that recognizes that even a short visit has a long-lasting impact.

Source: pagenews.gr