Santorini's Tourism in Jeopardy as Earthquake Fears Rise

As seismic activity shakes Santorini, hotel owners and seasonal workers express concerns about the upcoming tourist season, highlighting the need for swift government support and infrastructure improvements to preserve the island's vital tourism industry.

Santorini, famed for its stunning sunsets and crystal-clear waters, is grappling with a potential downturn in tourism due to a series of earthquakes that have plagued the island since January. As the unofficial start of the tourist season approaches in February, the uncertainty surrounding the tremors has led to cancellations and a decline in bookings, raising alarms for local businesses reliant on the influx of visitors.

Antonis Pagonis, the president of Greece's Association of Hoteliers, noted a drop in reservations over the past few days, though he remains hopeful for a swift turnaround. The island, home to just over 15,000 permanent residents, draws in tens of thousands of tourists daily, particularly during the summer months, leading to a significant reliance on seasonal workers from Greece and abroad.

Many seasonal workers are now hesitant about returning this year, fearing that the continued seismic activity might impact their job prospects. Manos, a bartender who has served on the island for five summers, has decided to accept a job elsewhere, citing concerns regarding earnings and job availability should the tourism sector shrink.

Furthermore, construction work essential for preparing hotels for the upcoming busy season has stalled due to safety concerns related to the earthquakes. Hotel owners are advocating for government intervention to support workers affected by the delays, with Pagonis indicating that proposals to assist the workforce are under consideration by authorities.

Despite the government’s rapid response to the seismic threats—including rescue teams deployed to the island and the establishment of a state of emergency—calls for more extensive investments in the island’s infrastructure continue. Margarida Karamolegkou, a hotel owner with four properties in Santorini, stressed the need for lasting improvements, such as a new port to accommodate the tourism industry more effectively.

Representing about 2.5% of Greece's GDP, Santorini generates approximately €5.9 billion annually from tourism. While cancellations have yet to be reported, a sustained decline in bookings could starkly impact local businesses. In a recent visit to the island, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the need to safeguard Santorini’s standing as a key tourist location.

With optimism amidst uncertainty, hotel owners like Karamolegkou are focusing on resilient service quality, even as they prepare for the possibility of reduced staff availability. Nevertheless, many stakeholders express concern that prolonged seismic activity could hamper the island's recovery and visitor numbers this summer.