Greek tax inspectors have carried out surprise checks on cruise boats in Santorini, uncovering serious tax violations and issuing heavy fines. The operation resulted in penalties of more than €14,000, with nearly half of the inspected vessels breaking the law.
How the Inspections Happened
The checks were carried out by Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). Inspectors arrived quietly from other parts of the country so operators wouldn’t be alerted.
They blended in with the tourist crowds at Santorini’s busy docks. Once passengers started leaving the cruise boats, the inspectors put on their official vests and used tablets to run instant audits.
What They Found
A total of 23 cruise boats were inspected. Out of these, 10 were in violation of tax rules.
Common problems included:
- Not giving official receipts to passengers.
- Giving incomplete or incorrect receipts.
- Taking cash payments over €500 without using the required bank transfer system.
Greek law says large payments must be made through electronic or bank transactions so they can be tracked.
The Penalties
The fines from this operation added up to €14,140. Authorities also issued an extra €20,000 in penalties across the 10 offending boats.
The AADE will now carry out deeper audits on these operators. They will check data through Greece’s myDATA system, which records all business transactions electronically in real time. This will help find any undeclared income or suspicious activity.
Why Santorini Was Targeted
Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations, welcoming millions of visitors every year. Many tourists arrive on cruise boats, making the island a key point for tourism income.
But with so many cash payments, the risk of tax evasion is high. The Greek government has made tourism-related tax enforcement a priority to protect public revenue and ensure all businesses compete fairly.
A Wider Plan to Stop Tax Evasion
The Santorini inspections are part of a bigger national strategy. The AADE plans to carry out similar surprise checks on other Greek islands and popular tourist areas.
The focus will be on high-risk sectors such as:
- Cruise boats and ferries
- Hotels and restaurants
- Tourist attractions and entertainment venues
These inspections use both undercover methods and data analysis to spot irregularities quickly.
What This Means for Operators and Tourists
For cruise operators, the message is clear: follow tax rules or face strict penalties. They must:
- Give proper receipts for every payment.
- Keep accurate records.
- Use electronic payment methods for large amounts.
For tourists, this helps ensure fair prices and honest service. It also supports the island’s economy, as tax revenue is used to maintain public services and improve facilities.
Protecting Greece’s Tourism Reputation
Greece’s reputation as a top travel destination depends not only on its beauty but also on the reliability of its services. By enforcing strict tax rules, the government protects both visitors and honest businesses.
The Santorini crackdown shows that even in high-profile destinations, non-compliance will be found and punished.
Looking Ahead
The Greek tax authority will continue to use a mix of surprise inspections and digital tracking to reduce tax evasion. For Santorini, this is a sign that cruise tourism will be watched closely in the future.
With almost half of the inspected boats breaking the rules, the fines send a strong warning: fiscal responsibility is not optional in Greece’s tourism sector.
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