Greece introduces tax to combat climate change

26-07-24

Greece, a country famous for its island paradises, rich cultural heritage and exquisite cuisine, faces a dilemma: how to manage the growing number of tourists without sacrificing its natural environment. In response, the Greek government has implemented a new “climate resilience levy” to replace the old tourist tax. This measure seeks to address the effects of climate change and fund recovery projects following natural disasters.

As of March 2024, the “climate resilience levy” applies to all tourists visiting Greece. This fee varies according to the season and type of accommodation. During the high season, which runs from March to October, visitors must pay between €1.5 and €10 per night, depending on the category of the hotel. In the low season, from November to February, the rate ranges from €0.5 to €4 per night. One- and two-star hotels charge €1.5 per night in high season, while five-star hotels charge €10. During the low season, the fee ranges from €0.5 for the most modest accommodations to €4 for the most luxurious.

The funds collected through this fee are used for reconstruction and prevention projects. The priority is to repair the damage caused by the forest fires and floods that affected the country in 2023, in addition to implementing measures to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters. The tax, which is paid directly to the accommodation provider, is mandatory for all types of accommodation, including hotels, villas and rentals from platforms such as Airbnb.