In brief
In the wake of a series of minor earthquakes that have affected the enchanting island of Santorini, local authorities and residents are vying to reinstate the island as a must-visit destination this tourist season. While the island has cautiously welcomed its first cruise ships of the season, concerns linger regarding a notable decrease in tourist bookings.
For several weeks, Santorini has experienced thousands of small tremors, sparking fears and causing a downturn in tourist enthusiasm. The island's tourism sector, integral to its economy, had been on an upswing as it recovered from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite recent activity, officials remain optimistic about the future, with projections from the union of cruise ship owners forecasting a 10% increase in cruise visitors compared to last year. However, hotel occupancies paint a different picture; some establishments report a 30% reduction in bookings for April, suggesting a slower recovery.Alexis Yannoulatos, a local hotelier, is hopeful yet realistic about the situation, indicating that while initial bookings are low, there is an upward trend expected in the months to come, particularly as visitors begin to return during the bustling summer season. With the beauty of Santorini and its unique geological formations, there is apprehension but also hope that the allure of the island will prevail over concerns, reigniting the tourism sector in the coming months.
