In brief
Santorini, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant tourism, is on the path to recovery following a series of small earthquakes. While the community faces reduced bookings, optimism for the upcoming season remains high.
After experiencing thousands of small-scale earthquakes, Santorini, one of Greece's premier tourist destinations, is eager to return to normal. The island, which has seen a resurgence in tourism post-pandemic, is determined to shake off the effects of natural upheaval and draw visitors back.With the arrival of the season's first two cruise ships in late March, tourism officials anticipate a rise in cruise passenger numbers, projecting a 10 percent increase compared to the previous year. However, hotel owners are cautious, estimating a 30 percent drop in bookings for the current year compared to 2024.Hospitality leader Alexis Yannoulatos, managing the Blue Dolphins hotel among others, shared the mixed feelings of the industry. While occupancy rates were approximately 30 percent for April, there are hopes for improvement in subsequent months, with forecasts suggesting a rise to 50 percent in late spring and summer.Although the uncertainty of the earthquakes lingers, the community is demonstrating resilience. Local businesses are gearing up for a renewed tourist influx, underscoring Santorini’s charm as a must-visit destination, regardless of recent seismic activity. As locals rally to encourage visitors, the island's allure continues to shine bright.
