Greece Set to Unite with US, France, and Norway in Introducing New Cruise Tax Next Year to Tackle Overtourism and Promote Sustainability

Published on December 10, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

In 2026, Greece will introduce a €15 per passenger cruise tax to tackle overtourism and fund sustainability in Santorini and Mykonos, joining the United States, France, and Norway in implementing new cruise taxes to address the environmental impact and infrastructure challenges of mass tourism. These countries are taking bold steps to mitigate the negative effects of cruise tourism, ensuring that economic growth is balanced with environmental responsibility. From funding climate resilience and conservation in Hawaii to improving infrastructure in Norwegian towns, these measures represent a global shift toward more sustainable cruise tourism, protecting both popular destinations and local communities.

Greece’s €15 Cruise Tax in 2026 to Tackle Overtourism and Boost Sustainability

Greece, famous for its scenic islands and ancient heritage, will introduce a new cruise tax starting in 2026. This initiative aims to combat overtourism and support sustainability by addressing the environmental impact of cruise ships and the strain on local infrastructure in popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos.

Greece’s New Cruise Tax

Amount and Purpose
The Greek government is set to implement a €15 per passenger cruise tax for each port call at high-traffic destinations. The revenue generated will be allocated to environmental conservation, improving local infrastructure, and managing overtourism.

Why It’s Needed
Overcrowding and environmental degradation from rising cruise tourism have overwhelmed popular islands, making this tax essential for maintaining sustainability in these key locations.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

Environmental Impact
The tax will fund initiatives such as waste management systems, coastal protection, and the preservation of marine life, ensuring a cleaner environment for future visitors.

Supporting Local Communities
Revenue will also be used to improve infrastructure like public transportation and amenities, reducing the strain on local resources.

United States: Hawaii and Alaska Set to Reshape Cruise Tax Landscape in 2026

Hawaii’s Green Fee Tax
In 2026, Hawaii will introduce a new Green Fee as part of an increase to the state’s Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), raising the base rate from 10.25% to 11%. When combined with county surcharges, the tax could climb to as high as 14%. The revenue from this new fee will be used to fund climate resilience projects, environmental conservation efforts, and recovery initiatives for areas affected by natural disasters, such as the Maui wildfires. While the state believes the fee will help protect Hawaii’s fragile ecosystems and support sustainability, it has sparked significant legal challenges.

Legal Challenges
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has filed a lawsuit against the state, arguing that the Green Fee violates the Tonnage Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which restricts states from imposing taxes on ships for general purposes, not related to services provided to the vessels. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has supported the cruise industry’s position, claiming the Green Fee is unconstitutional because it is not tied directly to services rendered to cruise ships or passengers. If the court rules in favor of Hawaii, this could open the door for other U.S. states to introduce similar fees, significantly impacting the cruise industry.

Alaska’s Fee Increases and Capacity Limits
Meanwhile, in Alaska, Juneau is taking a different approach to manage cruise tourism’s impact. Starting in 2026, the city will raise its marine passenger fees, nearly doubling the current rate of $13 per passenger. This increase is designed to help fund the growing infrastructure demands from the rising number of cruise passengers visiting the city. The funds will be used to improve local amenities, including public restrooms, better Wi-Fi, and expanding public spaces like Marine Park.

In addition to higher fees, Juneau will also impose capacity restrictions to manage overtourism. The city will limit the number of passengers allowed per day to 16,000, down from a previous high of 21,000. The reduction in passenger numbers aims to ease the strain on local infrastructure and improve the experience for both visitors and residents.

Economic and Operational Impact
Both Hawaii and Alaska are aiming to tackle the dual challenges of overtourism and environmental sustainability. However, the new taxes and capacity caps will lead to higher operating costs for cruise lines, potentially raising the price for passengers. For Hawaii, the legal dispute over the Green Fee could set a major precedent for other U.S. states to follow. In Alaska, the fee increases and capacity limits in Juneau may force operators to adjust itineraries and reduce the number of calls to the city. This could have broader implications for cruise tourism in the U.S., requiring operators to reconsider routes and port choices to mitigate the impact of these regulatory changes.

France: Introducing Environmental Levies to Tackle Cruise Tourism’s Impact

New Cruise Tax in France
In 2026, France will introduce a €15 per passenger environmental levy for all cruise ships visiting its ports. This tax is aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of cruise ships, particularly focusing on the emissions produced while vessels are docked in French ports. The levy is part of France’s broader strategy to enhance sustainability in its tourism sector and tackle the environmental challenges posed by mass tourism.

Revenue Allocation and Purpose
The funds generated from this levy will be allocated directly to environmental conservation projects. These include the restoration of coastal areas, improvement of waste management systems, and initiatives aimed at reducing marine pollution caused by large vessels. The tax aligns with France’s commitment to sustainable tourism and reducing the ecological footprint of its cruise industry.

Impact on Cruise Operators and Itineraries
While the tax is aimed at protecting France’s natural heritage, it has faced criticism from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which argues that it constitutes double taxation, as the cruise industry is already contributing to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). The €15 levy, when combined with other fees, could lead to higher costs for passengers, particularly on cruises that stop at multiple French ports. This cumulative cost may prompt cruise operators to reconsider their itineraries, potentially rerouting vessels to neighboring countries with lower or no additional levies, such as Spain or Italy.

Legal and Operational Implications
The introduction of the levy is expected to significantly influence the cruise industry’s operations in the Mediterranean. Operators may face tough decisions on whether to absorb the additional costs or pass them on to passengers. In some cases, this could make French ports less attractive compared to other destinations in the region. However, France’s approach to earmarking the funds for local environmental services provides a compelling case for the long-term sustainability of the tax, ensuring that the financial burden benefits the preservation of the very attractions that draw tourists to the country.

Norway: Implementing Visitor Contribution Taxes to Manage Overtourism

New Visitor Contribution Tax
In 2026, Norway will implement a 3% visitor contribution tax on both overnight accommodations and cruise ship passengers. This tax will be applied at the municipal level, allowing individual municipalities to decide whether to impose the fee, provided they meet the criteria of significant tourism-related strain on local infrastructure.

Purpose and Revenue Allocation
The funds generated from this new tax will be earmarked for essential public services that benefit tourists, such as improving public restrooms, maintaining hiking trails, and enhancing other visitor amenities. Norway’s goal with this new tax is not only to offset the environmental and infrastructural costs of tourism but also to improve the overall experience for visitors, ensuring the sustainability of its stunning landscapes and resources.

Decentralized Taxation Approach
One of the unique features of Norway’s new tax system is its decentralized nature. Unlike the broader national tax measures seen in other countries, municipalities in Norway will have the authority to apply for government approval to implement the tax based on their specific needs. This flexible approach allows local authorities to tailor the tax to their individual circumstances, ensuring that the funds are directed where they are most needed to alleviate the pressures of overtourism.

Impact on Cruise Operators and Tourists
The new tax is expected to raise additional revenue for municipalities in popular tourist destinations, such as Bergen and the Lofoten Islands, which are heavily impacted by cruise tourism. For cruise operators, this tax may add extra costs to Norwegian itineraries, potentially influencing pricing and passenger demand. However, the tax is designed to improve the visitor experience and manage the environmental impact of tourism, which could enhance Norway’s reputation as a sustainable travel destination.

Cruise Tax Changes in 2026: How Greece, the US, France, and Norway Are Tackling Overtourism and Promoting Sustainability

In 2026, Greece will introduce a €15 per passenger cruise tax to combat overtourism and fund sustainability in Santorini and Mykonos, joining the United States, France, and Norway in implementing new taxes to address the environmental impact and infrastructure strain caused by mass tourism.

As Greece, the United States, France, and Norway move forward with their new cruise taxes in 2026, these countries are setting a global precedent for sustainable tourism. By addressing the challenges of overtourism, environmental degradation, and infrastructure strain, they are ensuring that popular destinations remain accessible and enjoyable for future generations. These measures reflect a growing commitment to balancing tourism growth with environmental responsibility, creating a more sustainable and resilient future for the cruise industry and the communities that depend on it.