Tourism in Limbo: Santorini's Struggle Amid Earthquake Anxiety

Santorini faces uncertainty as repeated earthquakes since January threaten the upcoming tourist season, leading to a drop in bookings and fears of reduced staff availability.

Santorini, the picturesque Greek island famed for its breathtaking sunsets, is entering the unofficial start of its tourist season amidst ongoing seismic unrest. Since January, locals have endured thousands of small earthquakes, raising alarms over the potential impact on the island's vital tourism industry. With cruise ships canceling visits and tourist bookings declining, business leaders express concerns about the possible ramifications for an industry that significantly contributes to Greece's economy.

Antonis Pagonis, president of Greece's Association of Hoteliers, noted in recent statements that while there has been a recorded drop in bookings, he remains hopeful that it will only be temporary. However, the uncertainty surrounding the earthquakes threatens to hinder the island's ability to attract seasonal workers. These workers are crucial to supporting the surge in tourists that Santorini typically sees during peak months.

Manos, a bartender who has spent the last five summers on the island, shared his apprehensions about the upcoming season. He has decided to accept a position in Corfu rather than return to Santorini, citing financial insecurity stemming from possibly dwindling tourist numbers. As hotels gear up for the influx of visitors, ongoing construction projects have stagnated due to safety issues surrounding the quakes, prompting hotel owners to lobby the government for financial assistance to retain workers during this trying period.

Authorities have taken swift measures, deploying rescue teams to the island and declaring a state of emergency to facilitate aid. Still, industry voices call for more extensive infrastructure investment. Margarita Karamolegkou, a hotel owner on the island, emphasized the pressing need for improvements like a new port and regulatory measures on rental properties to ensure safety standards.

Santorini directly accounts for nearly 2.5% of Greece’s GDP, generating approximately €5.9 billion annually. Though no cancellations have been reported at present, industry experts warn that a continued decline in bookings could prove disastrous for local businesses. During a visit to the island, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed the essential nature of preserving Santorini’s iconic status and ensuring a robust tourism sector in the future.

While some hoteliers like Karamolegkou grapple with the challenges posed by the earthquakes, they remain optimistic that, with resilience and adaptation, the island's tourism industry can endure yet another tumultuous chapter.