In brief
The famous Greek island is focusing on reviving its tourism sector as it braces for an upswing in cruise visits following a setback from seismic activity.
Weeks after being rattled by thousands of minor earthquakes, Santorini, the iconic gem of Greece's tourism, is determined to bounce back and entice visitors, despite the uncertainty surrounding the seismic events. Following a robust recovery post-COVID-19, the island's hopes are high as cruise season commences. The initial two cruise ships of the month have already docked, with over 40 expected throughout April, signaling a predicted 10% rise in cruise tourists compared to last year.However, local hoteliers remain cautious, facing a potential 30% dip in bookings compared to the previous year. Alexis Yannoulatos, owner of the Blue Dolphins hotel, noted a slight resurgence in tourism but anticipates April may yield disappointing revenue figures. Currently, his establishments report only 30% occupancy for the month, although expectations for May and the summer season indicate a positive trend, with occupancy predictions rising to 50%. The island stands at a crucial juncture as it aims to regain its footing in the competitive tourism market amidst lingering concerns from visitors.
