Greece & Mexico to Introduce Cruise Passenger Taxes in 2025

Starting in 2025, both Greece and Mexico will implement new taxes on cruise passengers as part of their efforts to address overtourism. The move has sparked criticism from the cruise industry, which claims it was not consulted and argues that the timeline for enforcement is too short.

In Greece, the government has announced a passenger tax of €20 per visitor at popular tourist hotspots like Mykonos and Santorini. Travelers visiting smaller, less frequented islands will face a reduced tax of €5 per person. These charges will only apply during peak tourism season as part of Greece's strategy to manage visitor flow to its most crowded destinations.

Additionally, Greece will impose higher taxes on short-term rental accommodations, which is expected to generate around €400 million annually. This is part of a broader effort to control tourism numbers and boost revenue.

Mexico is also introducing a new cruise passenger tax, with each traveler required to pay $42 starting January 1, 2025. On top of this, an additional $5 fee will be applied at certain ports, bringing the total tax for those locations to $47 per passenger.

The Mexican president has assured stakeholders that the government will work closely with impacted agencies to ensure a smooth transition to the new tax system.

Both countries have faced strong pushback from the cruise industry. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) voiced concerns that the sudden implementation of these taxes could force cruise lines to change their itineraries to avoid higher-cost destinations.

The FCCA has also warned that the tax hikes could make Mexican cruise destinations 213% more expensive compared to the average Caribbean port, potentially impacting tourism demand.