If the government doesn΄t impose a cruise tax, the municipality will

The discussion at the municipal council meeting on tourism promotion focused on finding ways to generate revenue from the cruise industry. In response to concerns raised by minority representatives Metallinos and Karydis, who questioned the sufficiency of an approach aimed solely at increasing arrivals, Deputy Mayor Spyros Chalikopoulos stated that the goal was to attract higher-quality tourism. Mayor Stefanos Poulimenos stated that the planned expenditure of €140,000 (which he noted was not even certain to be made) helps maintain the municipality’s presence in the field of tourism promotion but should not be seen as an aggressive strategy. Mr. Varouchas was generally supportive, recalling the good cooperation he had when he was deputy mayor and Spyros Chalikopoulos was president of AOCTA.

Regarding the government’s announcement of a €5 per capita fee for cruise passengers, its implementation is still pending. If it is not enforced, the municipality intends to initiate the process itself by requesting that shipping companies collect the fee onboard and transfer it to the municipality.

Regardless, the widening gap between Corfu’s status as a bustling tourist destination during the summer months and its increasingly strained infrastructure is becoming more pronounced at an alarming rate. This concern was highlighted during the municipal council meeting on Tuesday, and no one appeared to disagree with the observation.

GIORGOS KATSAITIS