In brief
As the summer season approaches, Santorini wrestles with a potential downturn in tourism due to ongoing earthquakes. Local hoteliers express concern over staffing and booking declines, while calls for government support and infrastructure improvements intensify amid safety fears.
Santorini, known for its stunning sunsets and vibrant tourist scene, is now facing uncertainty as numerous earthquakes have shaken the island since January. The unofficial start of the tourist season begins in February, coinciding with the arrival of the first cruise ships and Easter holidays. However, the tremors have already made an impact, with one cruise line canceling its trip to the island and fears mounting over the potential effects on the crucial summer tourism industry.Antonis Pagonis, president of Greece's Association of Hoteliers, noted a drop in bookings over the past two days, but he remains hopeful that this trend will be temporary. Nonetheless, challenges could arise even if tourists choose to visit, as hotels anticipate facing a shortage of seasonal workforce to cater to the influx of visitors.The picturesque island, home to just over 15,000 permanent residents, welcomes tens of thousands of tourists each day during peak season, relying heavily on seasonal workers from across Greece and abroad. The uncertainty surrounding the earthquakes has led some workers to seek employment elsewhere. Manos, a bartender who has worked in Santorini for several summers, has opted for a job in Corfu this year, expressing concerns that a weak tourist season could affect his earnings.With hotel refurbishments scheduled ahead of summer, construction work has also come to a halt due to safety concerns stemming from the quakes. Hotel owners are advocating for government assistance to help maintain existing staff and attract new seasonal employees. Mr. Pagonis indicated that responses from the government have been positive, but the implementation of such measures remains to be seen.While the Greek authorities have acted quickly by deploying rescue teams and implementing a state of emergency, the tourism industry asserts that further investment is necessary. Margarita Karamolegkou, a hotelier owning multiple establishments on the island, emphasized the urgent need for improved infrastructure, including an updated port, and stricter safety regulations for private rentals.The significance of Santorini to the Greek economy cannot be understated; it contributes approximately 2.5% to the national GDP, generating roughly €5.9 billion annually. Although cancellations have yet to occur, declining bookings could have severe repercussions for local businesses if the situation persists.During a recent visit, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underscored the importance of safeguarding Santorini's reputation as an iconic tourist destination, vowing to ensure the island remains an attractive location for visitors. Despite the current challenges, Ms. Karamolegkou remains optimistic that, even with a reduced staff count, her hotels can continue to deliver exceptional service, embodying the enduring spirit of Santorini’s tourism industry.
