Greece's New Tourist Tax: A Climate Crisis Resilience Fee

In response to the escalating climate crisis, Greece has unveiled a novel approach to fund future disaster relief efforts—a "climate crisis resilience fee" for tourists. This new tax replaces the conventional hotel tax and is poised to leverage the booming tourism industry to financially support the country's readiness for unforeseen climate-related challenges.

The move comes in the aftermath of Greece's battle with wildfires and extreme weather conditions, including floods, in 2023. These climate events not only posed threats to local communities but also disrupted the vital tourism sector, a cornerstone of Greece's economy. To safeguard against potential economic repercussions from recurrent climate-related incidents, the Greek government has introduced this innovative climate resilience fee, wherein tourists will contribute varying amounts per room and night based on the hotel's category and the time of the year.

The tax rates are as follows:

• 5-star: €10 ($10.93) (March to October) / €4 ($4.37) (November to February)
• 4-star: €7 ($7.65) / €3 ($3.28)
• 3-star: €3 ($3.28) / €1.50 ($1.64)
• 1-2 star, Short-term rentals: €1.50 ($1.64) / €0.50 ($0.55)

This proactive measure aligns with Greece's commitment to fortifying its climate resilience while ensuring that the burden is shared by the tourism industry, a key driver of the country's economy. With tourism accounting for approximately a quarter of Greece's GDP, this move reflects a strategic effort to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

As tourists prepare to explore Greece's iconic destinations, this climate crisis resilience fee aims to create a more resilient and prepared nation, ready to face the challenges posed by the changing climate. Stay informed about this groundbreaking initiative and its implications for travelers venturing to Greece in 2024.