In brief
As earthquakes disrupt Santorini, concerns rise over the upcoming tourist influx, with cancellations and staffing issues plaguing the island’s vital hospitality sector.
As February heralds the unofficial beginning of the tourist season in Santorini, the picturesque Greek island is increasingly anxious about its economic outlook due to a series of earthquakes. With numerous tremors detected since January, experts remain unsure when they will cease, leading to a cruise company already abandoning its scheduled visit. This raised alarm in a region that heavily relies on tourism for its economic prosperity, particularly during the bustling summer months."Recent days have shown a decline in reservations, but we anticipate it to be a temporary setback," stated Antonis Pagonis, president of Greece's Association of Hoteliers. Nevertheless, attracting tourists becomes more complex when considering the looming staffing challenges for the hotels that serve thousands of visitors daily during peak seasons.Mandatory seasonal workers from various regions of Greece and international destinations are crucial to sustaining the local workforce of around 15,000 people. Many seasonal employees are starting to rethink their plans due to the ongoing risk of continued seismic activity. Manos, a bartender in Santorini for the last five summers, voiced his concerns about potential income losses and the possibility of not being employed throughout the summer. Consequently, he has opted for a job in Corfu instead of returning to Santorini.The urgency for temporary workforce springs from the current phase of hotel renovations, which have halted due to safety fears from the ongoing earthquakes. Hoteliers are advocating for government assistance, hoping to secure financial support for their employees until work can resume. Mr. Pagonis mentioned that they had submitted proposals to assist both current and potential seasonal workers, with the government showing willingness to help, though tangible outcomes remain uncertain.Greek officials have responded promptly to safety concerns, deploying rescue teams and declaring a state of emergency on the island for expediting necessary aid. However, industry stakeholders stress the need for investments to modernize the island's infrastructure. Margarita Karamolegkou, a hotel owner in Santorini, emphasized that despite the immediate earthquake response, broader improvements, such as a new port, have been overdue and essential for long-term recovery.Santorini contributes approximately 2.5% to Greece's GDP, with annual tourism revenue of about €5.9 billion. While current cancellations remain absent, the strain on bookings is palpable, and without a quick resolution, businesses risk severe consequences. During his recent visit, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underscored Santorini's significance, vowing to preserve its esteemed reputation as a leading tourist destination.Despite acknowledging the ongoing challenges, Ms. Karamolegkou maintains a hopeful outlook on her hotels and the broader tourist industry, believing that with their history of excellence, they can continue to provide top-notch services, even if current circumstances necessitate operating with fewer staff members.
