Transport & Environment has proposed a €15 tax per cruise passenger for every port call to address environmental damage and overtourism [1].
The proposal highlights a significant disparity in how the tourism industry is taxed. While cruise ships contribute heavily to pollution and crowd congestion in popular destinations, they currently face lower tax rates than traditional hotels [1].
The environmental NGO said the current system fails to internalize the costs of the cruise industry's carbon emissions. By implementing a per-passenger fee, governments could generate substantial funds to mitigate the impact of massive ships on coastal infrastructure [1].
According to the proposal, the tax would specifically target activity in three of Europe's most visited countries: Italy, France, and Spain [1]. The combined annual revenue from this measure is estimated to reach €335 million [1].
Overtourism has become a critical issue for Mediterranean cities, where the sudden arrival of thousands of passengers from a single vessel can overwhelm local services, a phenomenon that differs from the steady flow of hotel guests [2].
Transport & Environment said the measure is necessary because the industry continues to pump out high levels of emissions while benefiting from a lighter tax burden than land-based hospitality providers [2]. The organization said these funds could be used to invest in cleaner port technology and urban management [1].
“Cruises are currently taxed less than hotels”
This proposal represents a shift toward 'polluter pays' legislation in the tourism sector. By targeting the specific mechanism of port calls rather than overall voyage costs, the NGO aims to create a financial deterrent for over-scheduling ships in fragile Mediterranean hubs while closing a tax loophole that currently favors maritime travel over land-based lodging.
