ATHENS – Another likely record tourism year in Greece is seeing ferry companies cashing in with price hikes piling on those at supermarkets and seeing many Greeks unable to take island vacations – or get from islands to the mainland.

The major opposition SYRIZA jumped on the issue and said that, “The very high prices of ferry tickets amount to another financial ‘noose’ around the necks of holidaymakers, professionals and island residents.”

The Leftists said that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government “is happily counting tax revenues from VAT (Value Added Tax) and pursuing a hollow communications policy,” and ignoring the plight of many Greeks.

“The truth is that the government is stubbornly refusing to reduce the high rate of VAT on tickets, which is 24 percent, in order to maintain its excessive tax revenue, while allowing the companies in the industry to earn whatever profits they want, regardless of their real costs,” the party added.

“Observing the radical increase in ferry tickets, SYRIZA had tabled a parliamentary question in May asking the responsible ministers to intervene immediately in order to keep ticket prices in check and to ensure that the greater proportion of medium income-earners will be able to visit the Greek islands this summer,” the party said.

“Will the government continue comfortably lounging on its political ‘sunbed’ or will it take measures to reduce ferry tickets and crack down on profiteering?” the Conservatives’ rival asked without getting an answer.

In July, MEGA TV said that the tickets were now unaffordable for many households and families and that the prices had gone up 38.1 percent in five years compared to the European Union average of just 10.5 percent.

Even between islands the cost has become nearly prohibitive and keeping islanders from venturing off to other islands or the mainland

A trip from Santorini to Ios, a two-hour voyage of 33 miles that usually costs 45 euros ($49.10) in economy can soar to 64.70 euros ($70.60) if only one line is operating, said To Vima about the dilemma for many Greeks.