French Senate Greenlights New Tax on Cruise Ships: What It Means for the Industry

The French Senate has recently approved a significant new tax targeting cruise operations throughout the country. This decision, reported by Le Figaro, establishes a fee of 15 euros per cruise passenger for every stop made in France.

The tax measure received approval from the Senate with a narrow margin and is currently slated for further discussion in the French Parliament, which will continue until mid-December. The primary goal behind this taxation, as reported, is to finance the protection and enhancement of France’s coastlines. It is anticipated that this new tax could generate over 75 million euros annually for the government’s revenue.

Proponents of the tax, including Senator Jean-Mar Délia, argue that the heavy environmental impact of cruise ships warrants such a measure. He indicated that the annual CO2 emissions from cruise ships are comparable to those produced by around one billion vehicles. Délia noted that many other countries have implemented similar measures, and he believes the tax will not deter France’s appeal as a cruise destination.

France is recognized as a key destination within the European cruise market, notably in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, and its overseas territories like Martinique and French Polynesia also attract a considerable number of cruise ships. However, questions remain regarding whether the newly initiated cruise tax will apply in all French territories globally.

Opposition has emerged from the government, specifically from Public Accounts Minister Amélie de Montchalin, who expressed concerns regarding the lack of distinction in the project’s wording between cruise ships and ferries.

In a related note, the Côte d’Azur region has recently adopted a bill that places restrictions on cruise activities, including limits on the number of ships permitted and capacity caps on vessels operating within its destinations.

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