Denmark’s proposed 200-kroner cruise tax draws criticism

Denmark’s government wants to charge cruise passengers 200 kroner each when their ships call at Danish ports, a proposal that has drawn criticism from tourism and business groups, DR reports.

Aarhus Port says the levy could make the city and the surrounding East Jutland region significantly more expensive for cruise operators to choose as a destination. The port expects more than 250,000 cruise visitors to have called in Aarhus this year, which would make 2026 a record year.

“200 kroner per passenger is steep and could mean that many shipping companies choose Aarhus and Denmark as destinations less often,” said Pia Lange Christensen, director of tourism organisation VisitAarhus. She warned that the region could lose substantial revenue.

The government says the levy is intended to make cruise tourism contribute more towards the noise, congestion and pollution caused by ships. Christensen said Aarhus Port has invested in a shore-power facility, allowing ships to switch off their diesel engines and use electricity from the port. She also said the port works with cruise operators to spread visitors around Aarhus and offer trips into the wider region.

The levy is expected to apply from 2028, and the government estimates it would raise 300 million kroner for state funds. Danish Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of Danish Industry have also criticised the proposal.

Tags: Denmark, cruise tourism, Aarhus